Mini Apple Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These mini apple hand pies are everything you love about traditional apple pie but in a fun, individual size. They’re easy to serve, simple to transport, and make for an elegant presentation at parties or holiday dinners. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and fresh apples encased in a golden crust is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for family or preparing a batch to freeze, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Milk (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix until apples are well coated.
3. Roll out your pie crust and cut into circles using a round cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of half of the circles.
5. Place another pie crust circle on top and press the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Cut a small slit or X in the top of each pie for ventilation.
7. Whisk the egg and milk together to make an egg wash. Brush it over the tops of the pies.
8. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 mini apple hand pies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add a small piece of caramel candy inside each pie for a gooey surprise.
• Spiced Pear Hand Pies: Substitute apples with ripe pears and adjust the spices for a new twist.
• Glazed Hand Pies: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top once the pies have cooled.
• Vegan Option: Use a plant-based pie crust and a non-dairy milk for the egg wash substitute.
• Mini Lattice Tops: Get fancy by cutting lattice-style tops instead of full covers.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp.
They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for mini apple hand pies?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought crust works great and saves time, though homemade adds a richer flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and assemble them a day in advance and bake when ready.

Do I need to cook the apple filling before baking?

No, the apples cook perfectly inside the pie crust as they bake, making prep simpler.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep the hand pies from leaking?

Seal the edges well with a fork and don’t overfill. Also, make a small vent slit on top.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, puff pastry gives a lighter, flakier texture but may puff more during baking.

How do I make them sweeter?

Increase the amount of sugar in the filling or add a glaze after baking.

Can I add spices like cloves or ginger?

Yes, feel free to experiment with additional warm spices for a personalized touch.

What if I don’t have a round cutter?

Use a glass or jar lid to cut out circles. You can also shape them into squares or rectangles.

Conclusion

Mini Apple Hand Pies are a charming and tasty way to enjoy all the classic flavors of apple pie in a handheld format. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a picnic, or a cozy night in, these little pies are sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Mini Apple Hand Pies

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Mini Apple Hand Pies are flaky, bite-sized pastries filled with spiced apple filling. Perfect for fall gatherings, school lunches, or as a cozy dessert, they deliver classic apple pie flavor in a portable form.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 mini pies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 package pie crust (homemade or store-bought, enough for 2 crusts)
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Coarse sugar, optional, for topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust and cut into circles using a round cutter or glass.
4. Spoon a small amount of the apple mixture onto half of the circles.
5. Top with remaining circles and press edges with a fork to seal.
6. Cut a small slit or X in the top of each pie to vent.
7. Whisk egg and milk together, then brush over tops of pies.
8. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze unbaked or baked pies for up to 3 months; reheat in a 350°F oven.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overfill pies to prevent leaking; seal edges well.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini pie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg