Introduction

Apple Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar are a charming, portable dessert that captures the warm flavors of fall in every bite. These individual pies feature a tender, buttery pastry filled with sweet and spiced apples, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar for added crunch and flavor.

Hand pies are perfect for casual gatherings, lunchbox treats, or serving at a cozy weekend brunch. Unlike traditional pies, they are easy to make, fun to assemble, and perfectly portioned. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen instantly evokes the essence of autumn and comfort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fun to make, visually appealing, and endlessly comforting. The contrast between the flaky pastry and the tender, spiced apple filling is irresistible. Each hand pie is individually wrapped, making it perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying on the go. They are sweet, aromatic, and the perfect bite-sized embodiment of fall flavors.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Portable & Perfectly Sized: Individual pies are convenient for serving and sharing.
• Rustic & Charming: Free-form style gives them a homemade, cozy look.
• Flavorful Autumn Dessert: Apples, cinnamon, and sugar make them iconic for fall.
• Versatile: Great for brunch, dessert, snacks, or holiday gatherings.
• Fun to Make: Ideal for baking with kids or for a casual hands-on dessert project.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55–60 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 8–10 hand pies
• Calories: Approximately 250–280 kcal per hand pie

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Fall-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (egg wash)
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare the pastry dough.
2. Make the apple filling.
3. Roll out dough and cut into rectangles.
4. Fill each rectangle with apple mixture and fold into hand pies.
5. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
6. Bake until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly, then serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough comes together.
4. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Set aside while rolling out dough.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Cut into rectangles roughly 4×6 inches.

Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Spoon 1–2 tbsp apple filling onto the center of each rectangle.
2. Fold the dough over to create a pocket, pressing edges to seal with a fork.
3. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Add Topping

1. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
2. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over each pie.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Use Tart Apples: They provide a balanced sweetness and prevent soggy filling.
• Chill Dough: Makes rolling and shaping easier.
• Do Not Overfill: Avoid spillage and ensure easy sealing.
• Check Doneness: Golden brown crust indicates fully baked pies.
• Egg Wash: Gives a shiny, golden finish for appealing presentation.

Variations

• Pear Hand Pies: Substitute apples with diced pears for a sweeter twist.
• Nutty Pies: Add 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
• Chocolate-Apple Pies: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips in filling before sealing.
• Caramel Apple Pies: Drizzle caramel inside filling or on top after baking.
• Spiced Hand Pies: Add ¼ tsp cloves or allspice for extra warmth.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to baking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Pastry cutter or food processor (for dough)
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Fork (for sealing edges)
• Wire rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, it saves time and works well; just follow assembly steps.

Q2: Can I make mini hand pies?
Absolutely! Adjust baking time to 15–18 minutes for smaller pies.

Q3: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, prepare filling a day ahead and store in the fridge.

Q4: Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid soggy dough.

Conclusion

Apple Hand Pies with Cinnamon Sugar are a rustic, cozy dessert perfect for fall. Their flaky, buttery crust encases tender, spiced apples, making each bite comforting and flavorful. Portable, visually appealing, and easy to make, they’re perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday treats. Serve warm, with optional caramel drizzle or ice cream, and enjoy the sweet taste of autumn in every hand-held pie.