Mini Apple Hand Pies

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

August 2, 2025

Updated:

August 2, 2025

Pin1

1 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

These delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies are a perfect blend of sweet and spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust. Ideal for various occasions like family gatherings, cozy nights in, or as a treat for lunchboxes, these hand pies not only look adorable but taste heavenly. Their unique apple shape and golden lattice top make them stand out as a festive dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip up these treats with confidence.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fall gathering or a casual snack, Mini Apple Hand Pies fit right in.
Customizable Filling: Feel free to mix in other fruits or spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Fun for Kids: The apple shape and fun assembly process make these pies great for baking with kids.
Portable Treats: These hand pies are easy to pack and take along, making them great for picnics or on-the-go snacks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Rolling pin
Apple-shaped cookie cutter
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring that your crust is the perfect thickness.
Apple-shaped cookie cutter: Creates beautifully shaped pastry bases that give your hand pies their signature look.
Baking tray: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your hand pies to perfection.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup icing sugar
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
2 teaspoons cold milk
1 large egg

For the filling:
2 apples, peeled and chopped into small cubes
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Mini Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Stir in sugar and cinnamon; continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until apples are fully tender.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, sift together the flour and icing sugar.
Add the cold butter; rub it into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Mix in the egg and milk gently until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your work surface.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before rolling it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use an apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 8 pastry bases.
Place about 2 tablespoons of cooled apple filling onto each pastry base.
Brush edges with beaten egg yolk to seal well.
Roll out leftover dough scraps; cut into thin strips to create a lattice pattern on top of each pie.
Lay strips over filling in crisscross fashion; press gently to seal edges together.
Freeze assembled pies for about 15 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake

Brush tops of hand pies with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cooked through.
Allow cooling slightly before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious Mini Apple Hand Pies! Perfectly sweetened with just enough spice, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Mini Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Mini Apple Hand Pies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side adds a delicious contrast to the warm hand pies.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

A light drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the sweetness and adds a touch of decadence.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and fluffy complement to the spiced filling.

Paired with Hot Cider

Serve these pies alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy fall treat.

Served Warm with Tea

Enjoy your hand pies while sipping on your favorite herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Hand Pies

Perfecting Mini Apple Hand Pies involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out just right.

Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and milk cold helps create a flaky crust that is tender and delicious.
Don’t overfill: Use just the right amount of filling to avoid spilling during baking, which can make for messy pies.
Chill the assembled pies: Freezing them before baking helps maintain their shape and prevents the filling from leaking out.
Brush with egg wash: This gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish when baked.
Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add nutmeg or ginger along with cinnamon for an extra flavor kick in your filling.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Hand Pies

When serving Mini Apple Hand Pies, consider these tasty side dishes that complement their flavors perfectly.

Vanilla Yogurt: A smooth, creamy yogurt balances the sweetness of the pies and adds a refreshing touch.
Cinnamon Sugar Chips: Crispy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar make for a crunchy side that pairs well with apple flavors.
Roasted Pecans: These nuts add crunch and richness, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing contrast to the rich hand pies, providing balance on your plate.
Cheese Plate: Add some mild cheeses like brie or gouda for an unexpected savory pairing that complements the sweet filling.
Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of warm maple syrup offers an indulgent dipping option that enhances each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Apple Hand Pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can result in a tough crust. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
Overfilling the pies: Adding too much filling can cause the pies to burst. Stick to 2 tablespoons of filling for each pie.
Using warm apples: Filling the pies with warm apple mixture can lead to soggy crusts. Ensure your filling is completely cooled before assembly.
Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the crust’s crispness. Preheat your oven properly to 375°F (190°C).
Neglecting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash will result in dull-looking pies. Brush the tops with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Mini Apple Hand Pies in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mini Apple Hand Pies

Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
These hand pies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mini Apple Hand Pies

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat each pie on medium power for about 30 seconds, but this may soften the crust.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Apple Hand Pies that might help you out.

Can I use other fruits for Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Adjust sugar and spices based on the fruit’s sweetness.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Ensure your filling is fully cooled before assembly and consider pre-baking the bottom crust slightly before adding filling.

What type of apples are best for Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape during baking while providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make Mini Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them in advance and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

How do I customize my Mini Apple Hand Pies?

Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, raisins, or different spices (like nutmeg) to create your unique flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are not just delicious; they are also versatile treats perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize them with different fillings or spices, making them suitable year-round. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these charming little desserts with family and friends!