Ingredients
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base for the flaky pie crust in this hand pie recipe
– 1 teaspoon salt – balances flavors and strengthens the dough structure
– 1 teaspoon granulated sugar – adds a hint of sweetness to the crust
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – creates tender, flaky layers when cut into the flour
– 6-8 tablespoons ice water – binds the dough without making it tough
– 3 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, and diced – provides tart apple pie filling that holds up during baking
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the apple pie filling perfectly
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch – thickens the apple pie filling to prevent sogginess
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – delivers warm spice essential for apple hand pies
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds depth to the homemade apple hand pies flavor
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – brightens the filling and prevents apple browning
– Pinch of salt – enhances the overall taste of the filling
– 1 large egg, beaten – used for egg wash to achieve golden crust
– 1 tablespoon milk – mixes with egg for smooth egg wash application
– 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar – sprinkles on top for crunchy texture
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare the Mise en Place Gather all tools: mixing bowls, rolling pin, parchment-lined baking sheets, 4-inch round cutter. Dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Chill butter and water. This setup keeps dough cold for flakiness in your apple hand pies recipe.
2-Second Step: Make the Flaky Pie Crust Dough In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to cut butter into flour until pea-sized crumbs form. This creates layers for flaky pie crust. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until dough clumps. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes. For gluten-free, use certified blend here.
3-Third Step: Cook the Apple Pie Filling In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Stir 8-10 minutes until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; cool 15 minutes. Taste and adjust spice. Vegan cooks use the same; low-calorie reduce sugar by half. This warm apple pie filling is key to homemade apple hand pies.
4-Fourth Step: Assemble the Hand Pies Roll one dough disk to 1/8-inch thick on floured surface. Cut 10 circles with cutter. Spoon 2 tablespoons filling onto each circle center. Fold over, crimp edges with fork. Repeat with second disk. Place on baking sheet. For dietary ease, press gently for GF dough.
5-Fifth Step: Add Finishing Touches Mix egg and milk for wash; brush pies. Sprinkle turbinado sugar. Cut small slits on top for steam. Chill assembled pies 10 minutes. Vegan: skip wash or use aquafaba.
6-Sixth Step: Bake the Apple Hand Pies Bake 20-25 minutes until golden. Cool on rack 10 minutes. Similar techniques appear in this trusted apple hand pies guide. Enjoy warm flaky crust and filling.
Notes
🍏 Use cold ingredients throughout for the flakiest crust—chill your tools too if possible to maintain butter pieces that create layers.
🥧 Let the apple filling cool fully before filling to prevent soggy dough and ensure the pies hold their shape during baking.
❄️ Freeze unbaked hand pies on a sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to time for fresh treats anytime.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg