Name: 7 Unbelievably Delicious Apple Hand Pies; A Sinful Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed; 4 medium apples, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)

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Oh, autumn! Is there anything better than the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven? I think not! And that’s exactly what you get with these incredible apple hand pies. They’re seriously the easiest, most delicious way to get your apple pie fix, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. No fussing with complicated pie crusts – we’re using puff pastry, which makes these apple hand pies come together in a snap. Plus, the filling is just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s all about maximum flavor with minimum effort, my friends!

Hey there, I’m Oliver Hargrove! I’ve been a bit obsessed with food ever since I accidentally set off the smoke alarm trying to make my first apple pie as a kid (oops!). It was a total disaster, but the smell? Amazing! Fast forward a few years, and after cooking in a few London kitchens and hosting pop-up dinners, I’m still chasing that perfect apple pie experience, and these hand pies? They’re pretty darn close.

Seriously, you’ve gotta try these apple hand pies; they’re a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Hand Pies

Okay, so why should you even bother making these apple hand pies? Let me tell you – they’re seriously amazing. Here’s the deal:

Quick and Easy Apple Hand Pies

Time is precious, right? You don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. That’s why I love this recipe! It uses puff pastry (hello, shortcut!) and simple ingredients you probably already have. Seriously, it doesn’t get much easier than this.

Customizable Apple Hand Pies for Any Taste

Want to switch things up? Go for it! Use different spices like cardamom or ginger. Brown sugar instead of white? Totally! Got some leftover cranberries? Toss ’em in! These apple hand pies are your blank canvas.

Perfect Apple Hand Pies for Fall Baking

Is there anything more comforting than a warm apple pie on a chilly autumn day? These apple hand pies are basically portable fall happiness. The smell alone is worth it, trust me!

Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You really don’t need much to whip up these insanely good apple hand pies. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed. Seriously, don’t forget to thaw ’em! Nobody wants to wrestle with frozen pastry.
4 medium apples, peeled and diced. I like a mix of sweet and tart, but use whatever your favorite baking apples are!
1/4 cup granulated sugar. Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the apple filling so it’s not too runny.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gotta have that warm, cozy cinnamon flavor!
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Just a pinch of nutmeg really deepens the flavor.
2 tablespoons butter, melted. Adds richness and helps everything come together.
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash). This gives the hand pies a beautiful golden shine.
2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping). Adds a little sparkle and a satisfying crunch.

Oh, and a quick note on apples: if you can, try to get some good quality ones! It really does make a difference in the flavor. I usually grab mine from the local farmer’s market when I can.

How to Make Apple Hand Pies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get baking? These apple hand pies are seriously easy to make, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, delicious pies in no time.

Preparing the Apple Filling for Hand Pies

First, let’s get that apple filling ready. Grab those apples you so lovingly sourced and dice them into small, even pieces. You’ll want about 4 cups total. Toss them into a large bowl, then add in your 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Give it all a good mix until the apples are coated. Last but not least, drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and stir gently. This is where the magic starts, folks!

Assembling the Apple Hand Pies

Alright, puff pastry time! Unfold those thawed sheets on a lightly floured surface. Now, you’ll need a 4-inch round cookie cutter (or a knife if you’re feeling fancy). Cut out as many circles as you can from the puff pastry. You should get about 8, give or take. Place a spoonful (don’t overfill!) of the apple mixture in the center of half of the pastry circles. Brush the edges of those filled circles with your beaten egg – this acts like glue! Carefully top with the remaining pastry circles and crimp the edges with a fork to seal. This is super important, or your filling will escape! Now, brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with that glorious coarse sugar. Lastly, cut a small slit in the top of each hand pie. This lets the steam escape and prevents explosions. Trust me, you want that.

apple hand pies - detail 1

Baking Your Apple Hand Pies to Golden Perfection

Time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important, so don’t skip it! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this prevents sticking!). Place the assembled hand pies on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary! Let the hand pies cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Careful, they’ll be hot! And that’s it! You’ve just made the most amazing apple hand pies. Now, try not to eat them all at once!

Tips for the Best Apple Hand Pies

Want to take your apple hand pies from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make sure your pies are absolutely perfect every single time.

Preventing Soggy Bottoms in Your Apple Hand Pies

Ugh, soggy bottoms are the worst, right? Nobody wants a mushy pie! First off, always use parchment paper. It’s a lifesaver! Also, resist the urge to overfill your pies. Too much filling = too much moisture. And, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. Baking at too low a temp can cause the pastry to get soggy before it has a chance to crisp up.

Achieving Even Baking for Perfect Apple Hand Pies

Ever have pies that are perfectly golden on one side and pale on the other? Annoying! The fix is simple: rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This ensures even heat distribution. Also, I can’t stress this enough: get an oven thermometer! Ovens can be sneaky, and the dial might not be accurate.

Getting a Golden-Brown Crust on Your Apple Hand Pies

That beautiful golden-brown crust is what makes these apple hand pies so irresistible! The key is the egg wash. Don’t skip it! And don’t be shy with the coarse sugar. It adds a little sparkle and a satisfying crunch that’s just divine.

Variations on Apple Hand Pies

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic apple hand pie recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! These are just suggestions, of course – feel free to get creative and come up with your own!

Caramel Apple Hand Pies: A Decadent Twist

Oh my goodness, these are SO good. For a caramel apple explosion, drizzle some caramel sauce over the baked hand pies while they’re still warm. Or, for extra decadence, stir a tablespoon of caramel sauce right into the apple filling before you assemble the pies. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Hand Pies: A Classic Combination

Want a simpler twist? Skip the coarse sugar and mix together a few tablespoons of granulated sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture over the egg-washed hand pies before baking. It’s a classic for a reason!

Mini Apple Pies for Bite-Sized Treats

These are perfect for parties or just when you want a little something sweet without committing to a whole pie. Just use a smaller cookie cutter (like a 2-inch one) to cut out the pastry circles. You’ll need to reduce the baking time a bit – start checking them after about 15 minutes.

apple hand pies - detail 2

Air Fryer Apple Hand Pies

Did you know you can make these apple hand pies in your air fryer? Seriously! It’s even quicker than baking them in the oven, and they come out perfectly crispy. Just preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Then, pop those little apple hand pies in and cook for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, because air fryers can be a bit temperamental. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbly. So easy, right?

FAQ About Making Apple Hand Pies

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about making these delicious apple hand pies.

Can I use a different type of apple for my apple hand pies?

Absolutely! I usually go for a mix of sweet and tart, but honestly, any good baking apple will work. Granny Smiths are great if you like a bit of tang, Honeycrisps are wonderfully sweet and crisp, and Galas are a good all-around option. Experiment and find your favorite!

Can I freeze apple hand pies?

Yep, you sure can! You can freeze them *before* baking – just assemble them, pop them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze them *after* baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in a low oven until warmed through. Easy peasy!

How do I prevent my apple hand pies from leaking?

Ah, the dreaded leak! The key is making sure those edges are *really* well sealed. Crimp them firmly with a fork, and don’t overfill the pies. Also, that little slit on top? Super important! It lets the steam escape and prevents explosions (and leaks!).

What is the best way to store leftover apple hand pies?

If you actually *have* leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’re still delicious cold, but you can warm them up in the oven or microwave if you prefer.

Can I make these apple hand pies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can totally prep the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the pies and keep them in the fridge (unbaked) until you’re ready to pop them in the oven. Just add a few minutes to the baking time. So convenient!

Nutritional Information for Apple Hand Pies

Okay, quick disclaimer! The nutritional information below is just an estimate, alright? It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, apple types, etc.). So, just keep that in mind!

Enjoy Your Homemade Apple Hand Pies!

Alright, there you have it! My super-easy, super-delicious apple hand pie recipe. I really hope you give it a try – you won’t be disappointed! And hey, if you do make them, I’d love to see! Share a photo on social media and tag me (find me on Insta as @OliverHargroveEats), or leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Happy baking, friends!