Baked Spiced Apple Hand Pies with a Flaky Golden Crust

Oh, my dears, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Spiced Apple Hand Pies filling the kitchen. These delightful little parcels, brimming with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked into a flaky, golden crust, are pure comfort. Each bite is a miniature celebration, a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with just the right warmth from those cozy spices. They remind me of autumn leaves crunching underfoot and happy gatherings around the kitchen table.

I remember countless afternoons with my grandmother, her hands dusted with flour as she taught me the magic of pie dough. We’d often make little apple tarts, and it was in those moments, learning to crimp the edges and watch the crust turn golden, that my passion for baking truly bloomed. These hand pies carry a piece of that cherished nostalgia, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

This recipe for spiced apple hand pies is a testament to that simple joy—it’s incredibly rewarding to bake, makes for a delightful family treat, and is perfect for sharing at any gathering, big or small. My top tip for these? Always use fresh, firm apples, as they hold their shape beautifully and add wonderful texture to every bite.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful hand pies relies on a few simple, wholesome ingredients. We’ll be using crisp, medium apples for that perfect bite and a generous mix of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to truly capture the essence of autumn. The key to a wonderfully flaky crust lies in cold unsalted butter and just the right touch of ice water. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements for these wonderful Spiced Apple Hand Pies in the recipe card below.

How to Make Spiced Apple Hand Pies

Making these pies is a journey of simple pleasures, starting with preparing a tender, buttery pie dough that’s a joy to work with. Then, we whip up a sweet, spiced apple filling, brimming with warm autumn flavors. The magic truly happens as we gently assemble each individual hand pie, sealing in all that goodness before they’re brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with sugar for that irresistible golden finish.

Spiced Apple Hand Pies

These delightful Spiced Apple Hand Pies feature flaky, buttery pastry pockets filled with a warmly spiced apple mixture, perfect for a grab-and-go treat. Enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the All-Butter Pie Dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter very cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup ice water plus 1-2 tbsp more if needed

For the Spiced Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples firm-tart (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Egg Wash & Topping

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Pastry Brush
• Apple Peeler/Corer
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Fork

Method

 

Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and 1 tbsp granulated sugar.
2. Add the very cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be shaggy but hold together when squeezed.
4. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.

Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Add the apple mixture and lemon juice.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the apples have softened slightly but still hold their shape, and the liquid has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 4-inch round or square cutter (or a knife), cut out 8-10 shapes. Repeat with the second dough disc. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut out more shapes if possible. You should have 16-20 total shapes (enough for 8-10 pies).
3. Place half of the dough shapes on the prepared baking sheets. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each dough shape, leaving a small border.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tbsp water for the egg wash.
5. Brush the edges of the dough circles with egg wash. Place a second dough shape over the filling, aligning the edges.
6. Press firmly around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a good seal.
7. Cut two or three small slits on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake the Hand Pies

1. Brush the tops of the assembled hand pies with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter and water for the dough are very cold. This creates a flakier crust.
The apple filling must be completely cooled before assembling the pies to prevent the dough from becoming soggy or tearing.
These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days. They are also freezer-friendly before baking: freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Baking these Spiced Apple Hand Pies is such a heartwarming experience, and I’ve picked up a few little secrets over the years that I’m just itching to share with you to ensure your pies turn out perfectly golden and delicious every time.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my butter is ice cold when I’m making the pie dough. Cubing it and chilling it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before mixing ensures the flakiest crust imaginable. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

When you’re rolling out your dough, don’t overwork it. A light touch is key to keeping it tender. If it starts to get sticky or tough, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to relax. Patience here will be rewarded with a beautiful, manageable dough.

Don’t skimp on the egg wash! A good egg wash (just an egg beaten with a splash of water) brushed generously over the tops before baking not only gives your hand pies that gorgeous golden-brown color but also helps the sugar stick for a lovely sparkling finish.

After filling, make sure to really seal those edges tightly with a fork. This isn’t just for looks; it prevents that delicious apple filling from bubbling out during baking, keeping all that spiced goodness safely inside each little parcel.

Fun Variations for Spiced Apple Hand Pies

One of the greatest joys of baking is getting creative in the kitchen, and these Spiced Apple Hand Pies are wonderfully versatile! Here are a few ways to add your own personal touch and make them truly unique.

Seasonal Fruit Swaps

While apples are classic, imagine these with other seasonal fruits! In the summer, my sister always asks me to swirl in a spoonful of homemade raspberry jam with the apple filling, or we use a mix of peaches and blueberries. In late autumn, a pear and ginger filling can be absolutely divine, offering a lovely, subtle warmth.

Crumb Topping Delight

For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, skip the sugar sprinkle and instead, top your hand pies with a simple streusel crumb before baking. Just a mix of flour, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon creates a wonderfully crunchy contrast to the soft filling. A friend loves when I do this and adds a touch of rolled oats to the crumb for more chew!

Glaze It Up

Once your hand pies have cooled slightly, a simple powdered sugar glaze can elevate them beautifully. Whisk together powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until you reach a drizzly consistency. A light drizzle adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of sweetness that’s just irresistible.

What to Serve With Spiced Apple Hand Pies

These Spiced Apple Hand Pies are simply wonderful on their own, a complete little package of sweet joy. But, as with any delightful dessert, a thoughtful accompaniment can elevate the experience even further.

For a classic pairing that always hits the spot, I love serving these hand pies warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, spiced apples is just pure bliss. My mom always pairs them with a steaming mug of hot cocoa in winter, a comforting combination that’s perfect for a cozy evening.

Another lovely option is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a touch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup folded in. And if you’re looking for something a little lighter, a simple drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a scattering of toasted pecans can add a gourmet touch without much fuss. For a quick serving idea, a simple cup of black coffee or herbal tea is a wonderful way to enjoy these as a delightful afternoon treat.

How to Store Spiced Apple Hand Pies

Once you’ve enjoyed the immediate warmth and deliciousness of your Spiced Apple Hand Pies, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers stay just as delightful. Proper storage is key to preserving their flavor and texture.

Fridge Storage

To keep your hand pies fresh for a few days, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I like to gently warm them in a toaster oven for about 5-10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). This brings back some of that lovely crispness to the crust.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, these hand pies freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, you can pop them directly into a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp. A light dusting of powdered sugar after reheating always brings them back to life.

Nutritional Benefits

While we bake for joy and flavor, it’s lovely to know that these homemade treats also offer a touch of goodness. These Spiced Apple Hand Pies, made with wholesome apples, provide a good source of dietary fiber, which is wonderful for digestion, and essential vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of combining indulgence with simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use other types of apples for Spiced Apple Hand Pies?
Yes, absolutely! While firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent, you can use a mix. Just ensure they hold their shape well when cooked and adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

Faq 2

Can I prepare the pie dough ahead of time?
You sure can! The pie dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Faq 3

How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
To avoid a watery filling for your Spiced Apple Hand Pies, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the sliced apples after mixing them with sugar. A little flour mixed in with the apples also helps thicken the juices.

Faq 4

Can I bake these Spiced Apple Hand Pies in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers vary!

Conclusion

Baking Spiced Apple Hand Pies is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and delicious memories right in your own kitchen. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the simple pleasure of homemade desserts. With a little love and patience, even the most basic ingredients can transform into magical treats that bring smiles and gather loved ones around the table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something wonderfully sweet together!