Dessert

Apple Hand Pies Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

Introduction

Apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these handheld pastries are easy to make and fun to share.

The image shows seven golden-brown hand pies arranged on a sheet of parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each hand pie is crescent-shaped with three small slits cut into the top crust and crimped edges that create a textured border. The crust is shiny and flaky with a warm, toasted color. In the middle right, there is a white bowl filled with smooth, white cream or sauce. To the right of the bowl are two cinnamon sticks. Around the edges of the parchment paper are three green apples and a green and white checkered cloth is partially visible on the left side. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples (about 1 lb.), peeled and diced
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 unbaked pie crusts, rolled into two 12-inch circles
1 egg
2 teaspoons milk

Instructions

Step 1: For the filling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking about 1 minute until barely golden. Add apples, sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in water, cinnamon, and nutmeg; cook for about 4 more minutes. Spread the filling onto a plate and refrigerate to cool.
Step 3: Using the lid of a small pot (about 6 inches in diameter), cut out 6 circles from the dough.
Step 4: Whisk together the egg and milk. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling onto each dough circle, slightly off center.
Step 5: Brush the outer edge of each circle with the egg mixture. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges with your finger, then press with the tines of a fork for a decorative edge.
Step 6: Make three slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with the egg mixture.
Step 7: To air fry, place 2 or 3 pies in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 12 minutes. Repeat with remaining pies.
Step 8: To bake in the oven, preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place pies on the sheet and bake until golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Step 9: Allow pies to cool before serving. They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, chill the pies before baking or air frying.
Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter filling.
Add a handful of chopped walnuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.

Storage

Store leftover apple hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows eight golden-brown half-circle hand pies with three small vents on top, arranged neatly on white parchment paper over a wooden table with a white marbled texture. There are two halves smaller than the rest in the bottom right corner. Near the pies is a small white bowl filled with smooth white cream, and two cinnamon sticks lie beside the bowl. To the top left of the pies, a green and white checked cloth is partially visible, and three bright green apples are placed in the top right corner. The hand pies have crimped edges and a flaky, shiny crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crusts for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pie crusts work perfectly and save time while still providing a flaky, delicious crust.

Can I freeze the prepared hand pies before cooking?

Absolutely. Freeze the assembled pies on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.