Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe

There's something magical about biting into a warm, flaky Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe that instantly transports you to cozy autumn afternoons. These little pockets of heaven combine tender spiced apples wrapped in golden pastry that melts in your mouth with every bite.

I've been perfecting this Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe for years, and let me tell you ; it's become my go-to dessert whenever I need something that looks fancy but comes together surprisingly quickly. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or just want to treat your family to something special, this Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe delivers that homemade goodness everyone craves without the fuss of a full-sized pie.

Why This Apple Hand Pie Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

These individual apple pie treasures have become incredibly popular because they solve so many dessert dilemmas at once. Unlike traditional apple pie that requires careful slicing and serving, these Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe creations are perfectly portioned and completely portable ; making them ideal for parties, picnics, or packed lunches.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of convenience and authentic flavor. The filling combines fresh apples with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating that classic apple pie taste we all love. Meanwhile, the pastry becomes beautifully golden and flaky, giving you those satisfying layers that make each bite absolutely irresistible.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Sweet Endings: More Delicious Treats to Try
• Related
• Pairing
• Mini Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced small
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Lemon juice

For the Pastry:

• Frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

For the Optional Glaze:

• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice, stirring until apples are evenly coated.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
4. This resting time helps the apples release their natural juices, creating the perfect consistency for your hand pies.

Roll and Cut Your Pastry

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet to about 12x12 inches.
2. Using a 4-inch round cutter or large glass, cut 8 circles from each sheet (16 total).
3. Gather scraps and re-roll once to get additional circles if needed.
4. Place half the circles on parchment-lined baking sheets ; these will be your bottoms.

Assemble Your Hand Pies

1. Brush the edges of bottom pastry circles with beaten egg.
2. Place 2 tablespoons of apple filling in the center of each bottom circle.
3. Top with remaining pastry circles and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
4. Cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Brush tops of hand pies with remaining egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
4. Bake for 18-22 minutes until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

Expert Cooking Tips

Temperature Control

• Keep your puff pastry as cold as possible while working with it. If it becomes too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This ensures your Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe will have those beautiful flaky layers.

Apple Selection Matters

• Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape during baking and provide the perfect tart contrast to the sweet pastry. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples also work wonderfully.

Sealing Technique

• Press the edges with a fork dipped in flour to prevent sticking. This creates an attractive border while ensuring your filling stays put during baking.

Size Consistency

• Use a kitchen scale to portion your filling if you want perfectly uniform hand pies. About 2 tablespoons (30g) of filling per pie works perfectly.

Egg Wash Application

• Apply egg wash with a pastry brush in thin, even layers. Too much egg wash can cause the pastry to become soggy or create uneven browning.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular puff pastry with gluten-free pastry sheets available at most grocery stores. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a tablespoon of caramel sauce to your apple filling for caramel apple hand pies. Or mix in some dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a festive fall twist.

Spice Alternatives

• Experiment with different spice combinations like adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to your Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe for unique flavor profiles that will surprise your guests.

Make-Ahead Options

• You can assemble these hand pies up to 2 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Simply brush with egg wash and bake when ready to serve.

Sweetness Adjustments

• If you prefer less sweet desserts, reduce the sugar by half and add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors naturally.

Equipment Recommendations

• Large mixing bowl for combining apple filling ingredients efficiently
• Rolling pin to roll pastry to the perfect thickness for your Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe
• 4-inch round cutter or large drinking glass for uniform pastry circles
• Fork for sealing edges and creating decorative borders
• Pastry brush for applying egg wash evenly
• Parchment-lined baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup
• Wire cooling rack for proper cooling that maintains pastry crispness

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Room Temperature Storage

• Store completely cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Your Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe creations will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in airtight containers.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze baked hand pies for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Reheating Tips

• For best results, reheat hand pies in the oven rather than the microwave. This maintains the pastry's flaky texture while warming the filling thoroughly.

FAQ

Sweet Endings: More Delicious Treats to Try

Now that you've mastered this incredible Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe, you're ready to tackle even more amazing desserts that will impress your family and friends. These hand pies prove that the best treats come in small, perfect packages that deliver maximum flavor with every single bite.

Don't stop your baking adventure here ; try our Chocolate Fig Bars Recipe for another handheld treat that's perfect for fall gatherings. And when you want something extra indulgent, our Chocolate Brownie Sundae Recipe will take your dessert game to the next level. These Mini Apple Hand Pies recipe creations are just the beginning of your journey into creating memorable desserts that bring people together around the table.

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Pairing

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