Name: Apple Hand Pies – Sweet Easy Recipes for Anytime Cravings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; 1 package of pie dough (2 rounds); 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Granulated sugar, for sprinkling

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There’s something about a flaky hand pie that makes me nostalgic for fall, no matter the season. Maybe it’s the sweet apple filling that reminds me of crisp orchard days or just the joy of holding a warm, golden pie in one hand—no fork required. These apple hand pies check every box: buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and the kind of treat you don’t have to share (unless you really want to). I’ve made these more times than I can count, usually on weekends when the craving hits and I don’t want to deal with an entire pie dish. If you’ve got some apples, a sheet of pastry, and a little time to spare, you’re all set. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy dessert night or a quick sweet snack, these are one of my favorite sweet easy recipes. I’ll show you how to get those perfect golden edges and just the right amount of cinnamon. Let’s get baking.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Apple Hand Pies Recipe
3) Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies
4) How to Make Apple Hand Pies
5) Tips for Making Apple Hand Pies
6) Making Apple Hand Pies Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Apple Hand Pies
8) Try these Desserts next!
9) Apple Hand Pies
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Perfect for single-serve dessert lovers.
Great use of pantry staples and seasonal fruit.
Easy to store, reheat, and even freeze.
Ready in under an hour and kid-approved.

2) Easy Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Apple hand pies are one of those sweet easy recipes that give you a satisfying crunch on the outside with a warm hug of spiced apple filling on the inside. I love how this dessert feels homemade without the fuss. You don’t need a pie dish. You don’t need a ton of tools. Just some pastry, fresh apples, and a cozy afternoon.

This recipe started in my kitchen during a weekend clean-out. I had some leftover apples and a roll of pie dough, and I didn’t feel like committing to a full pie. I mean, who has time for a lattice crust on a lazy Sunday? Not me. What I ended up with was a tray of mini pies that disappeared faster than I could grab a second one.

If you’re searching for quick and easy recipes, or something that fits under the umbrella of easy dessert recipes, this one deserves a spot in your collection. You’ll love the crisp golden edge, the gooey middle, and that perfect sugar crunch on top. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want a small batch treat, these are always a win.

3) Ingredients for Apple Hand Pies

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
This is where it all begins. Choose apples that can hold their shape when cooked. I usually go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that sweet-tart balance.

1 tablespoon lemon juice
This keeps the apples from turning brown and brightens the flavor of the filling.

1/4 cup brown sugar
Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses richness to the apples. Light or dark brown sugar both work.

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
No apple dessert feels complete without a hint of cinnamon. It brings warmth and depth.

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
This tiny bit adds a cozy, subtle spice. Don’t skip it.

1 tablespoon cornstarch
Helps thicken the filling so you don’t end up with a soggy pie.

1 tablespoon water
Used to mix with the cornstarch and get that filling just right.

1 package of pie dough (2 rounds)
This is your shortcut to buttery, flaky goodness. You can use homemade if you want, but store-bought saves time and works beautifully.

1 egg, beaten
This acts as your glue and gives the pies a golden finish when baked.

Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
A little crunch on top never hurts. It adds sparkle and texture.

4) How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. This gives your pies a solid foundation and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2. In a saucepan, combine your diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook on medium, stirring often. You’re aiming for softened apples—not mushy, just enough to take the bite out.

Step 3. Mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour it into the apple mixture and stir for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. Take it off the heat and let it cool.

Step 4. Roll out your pie dough. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass rim. You want them big enough to hold a spoonful of filling without leaking.

Step 5. Spoon some filling onto half of the dough circles. Top with the other half and press the edges with a fork. You’ll want to press firmly here so they don’t burst open while baking.

Step 6. Brush the tops with your beaten egg and sprinkle sugar over each one. Pop them onto your baking sheet.

Step 7. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes. Look for golden tops and crisp edges. Let them cool before you take a bite—they’ll be hot and bubbly inside.

5) Tips for Making Apple Hand Pies

If your apples are super juicy, simmer them a bit longer before adding the cornstarch mixture. This keeps your filling nice and thick, not runny.

Want that deep golden crust? Chill your hand pies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking. It helps the dough firm up and bake evenly.

When cutting dough circles, try to keep them uniform in size. A mismatched top and bottom can cause leaks. And don’t overfill! I’ve learned that lesson more times than I’d like to admit.

6) Making Apple Hand Pies Ahead of Time

You can make the apple filling a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. That way, when the craving strikes, you’re halfway there already. Just give it a quick stir before using it.

Assemble the pies fully and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, pop them straight from the freezer into the oven. Add a couple extra minutes to the bake time, and you’re good to go.

For baked pies, store them at room temp for a day or in the fridge for up to four. You can reheat them in the oven to bring back that crispy edge we all love.

7) Storing Leftover Apple Hand Pies

Keep leftover pies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about four days. You can refrigerate them, but bring them back to life in a warm oven before eating.

If you’re freezing baked pies, let them cool completely first. Wrap individually and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, warm in the oven until heated through.

Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust will lose that flake. So if time allows, always reheat in the oven or toaster oven for that bakery-style finish.

8) Try these Desserts next!

9) Apple Hand Pies