Description

These classic apple hand pies are a simple, nostalgic autumn dessert made with store-bought pie crusts and a sweet cinnamon-sugar apple filling. They are portable, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight baking.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium apples (peeled and diced, approx. 600g; mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 sheets refrigerated pie crusts (thawed)
2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a standard baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out juices.
Unroll pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into 12 equal squares (or 6 large squares).
Place one square of dough on the baking sheet. Spoon 2 tablespoons of apple filling into the center, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Place another square of dough on top. Press edges firmly with fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal. Trim excess dough if desired.
Repeat with remaining dough squares and filling.
Brush tops of pies with melted butter. Mix 2 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the buttered tops.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

Notes

Let the apple mixture sit for 10 minutes before assembling to help the cornstarch thicken the filling. Keep dough cold for a flakier crust. Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent leaking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 180
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 180
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 2

Keywords: apple hand pies, autumn dessert, cinnamon sugar, easy dessert, fall baking, handheld dessert, apple pie