Apple Hand Pies – Sweet Easy Recipes for Anytime Cravings
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.
Servings: 8 pies
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir into the apple mixture. Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, until thickened. Let cool.
- Unroll the pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
- Spoon a small amount of the apple filling onto the center of half of the circles. Top each with another dough circle and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.