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Apple Hand Pies Recipe

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3.9 from 1 review

These Apple Hand Pies are a delightful treat featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a warm, spiced apple filling. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze, these hand pies are perfect for dessert or a comforting snack. Easy to make and convenient to enjoy warm or cold, they combine classic flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar to create a nostalgic and irresistible pastry.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14 hand pies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pie Crust

  • 1 box refrigerated pie crust (for two pies) (14.1 ounces)

Apple Filling

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups diced and peeled apples (about 2 large apples)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg white (beaten)

Glaze

  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pie Crust: Remove the refrigerated pie crusts from the package and allow them to come to room temperature while preparing the filling. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Cook Apple Filling: Dice and peel the apples. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced apples, kosher salt, nutmeg, light brown sugar, and cinnamon to the skillet. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened.
  3. Cut Pie Crust Circles: While the apples are cooking, unroll the pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut 6-7 circles from each crust. If needed, roll out scraps to cut additional circles. Set these aside for filling.
  4. Thicken Filling: Once the apples are soft, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir thoroughly. Heat for an additional minute to allow the flour to cook, thickening the filling.
  5. Assemble Hand Pies: Using a tablespoon scoop, place a portion of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal completely. For extra security, fold the pinched edges over once more. Use the tines of a fork to poke holes along the seam of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Beat the egg white lightly in a small bowl. Brush the egg white over the tops of each hand pie to promote browning. Place the pies on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pies turn a light golden brown.
  7. Prepare and Apply Glaze: While the pies bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Once the hand pies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately dip or brush them with the glaze until fully coated. Place the glazed pies back on the parchment paper and allow them to set for about 10 minutes.
  8. Serve: Enjoy the apple hand pies warm or at room temperature as a delicious snack or dessert.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
  • Ensure the pie crust comes to room temperature before cutting for easier handling.
  • Seal the edges thoroughly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
  • These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or reheated before serving.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or omit the egg wash.