If you’re craving a delightful treat that’s both simple and satisfying, apple hand pies are just the answer. These portable pastries combine a perfectly flaky crust with a sweet, cinnamon-kissed apple filling, delivering a cozy bite every time. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a charming homemade snack, this recipe for apple hand pies fast is designed to get you baking quickly without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready to bake in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want homemade treats fast.
Flaky, Buttery Crust: Crafted to deliver that irresistible golden crunch with every bite.
Sweet, Spiced Filling: Classic apple flavor with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar to keep things cozy and comforting.
Perfect Portion Sizes: Individually wrapped pies make it easy to grab and go or impress guests with charming presentation.
Family Friendly: A recipe that kids and adults alike will love baking and eating together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making the best apple hand pies. Each component plays a crucial role in the final texture and flavor—balance is everything here.

Apples: Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Puff Pastry or Pie Crust: Store-bought dough saves time while providing that beloved flaky, buttery finish.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the apples.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that highlight the fruit.
Butter: Small pats melting into the filling give richness and depth.
Lemon Juice: A splash keeps the apple slices fresh and bright, preventing browning.
Egg Wash: Brushed on for a golden, glossy pie crust that looks irresistible.

Variations for Apple Hand Pies

This recipe for apple hand pies is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to tweak the filling or crust to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand.

Caramel Apple Hand Pies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pie crust to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family.
Spiced Twist: Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for more complex fall flavors.
Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a plant-based pie crust to keep it vegan-friendly.
Mixed Fruit Filling: Add pears or cranberries alongside apples for a festive variation.

How to Make Perfect Apple Hand Pies Fast

How to Make Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and finely chop your apples into small pieces for even cooking. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, a splash of lemon juice, and small bits of butter to create a juicy, flavorful filling ready to be tucked inside your crust.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

If you’re using store-bought dough, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to smooth any creases. Cut into evenly sized rectangles or circles—about 4 by 5 inches works well for hand pies.

Step 3: Fill the Dough Pieces

Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough piece, making sure not to overfill to prevent leaking during baking.

Step 4: Seal the Pies

Brush the edges of the dough with a little water or egg wash, fold over the dough to form a pocket, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Vent

Brush each sealed hand pie with egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust and poke a few small holes with a knife or fork to allow steam escape while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Hand Pies

Don’t Overfill: Too much filling causes leaks, so keep it moderate for tidy pies.
Chill Dough: Keep your dough cold to ensure it stays flaky and doesn’t become tough.
Uniform Pieces: Cut equal-sized dough for even baking and consistent portions.
Vent Pies Properly: Small slits on top prevent sogginess by letting steam escape.
Use Fresh Apples: Crisp apples hold their shape better and give a fresh bite to your hand pies.

How to Serve Apple Hand Pies

Garnishes

Dust each hand pie with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an added touch of sweetness and beauty.

Side Dishes

Serve your apple hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of warm cider for a cozy, well-rounded treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap apple hand pies individually in parchment paper tied with twine for rustic charm, perfect for gifting or lunchbox treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover apple hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked hand pies on a baking sheet until solid, then move to a freezer bag; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to your baking time.

Reheating

Warm hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back that delicious flakiness and fresh-from-the-oven aroma.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for apple hand pies?

While you can use any apples, tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up best during baking and provide a balanced flavor with sweetness and acidity.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought dough?

Store-bought dough is a huge time saver and still yields excellent flaky results, but homemade crust adds a personal touch if you have extra time.

Can I make apple hand pies vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and substitute the egg wash with almond milk or a mix of maple syrup and water for a vegan-friendly crust.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the pies, seal the edges tightly with water or egg wash, and press firmly with a fork to ensure no gaps.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover apple hand pies?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes restores the crisp crust better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making apple hand pies fast doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or charm. This recipe brings the perfect balance of flaky crust and sweet, spiced filling to your kitchen quickly and easily. Give it a try and discover how enjoyable baking your own comforting treats can be—it’s sure to become a favorite you return to again and again.

Apple Hand Pies

Print Recipe

These quick and easy apple hand pies feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with a sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple mixture. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, they bake in under 30 minutes and are great for on-the-go enjoyment or sharing with family and friends.

Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 6-8 hand pies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats

Crust

1 package store-bought puff pastry or pie crust dough (about 1 sheet, thawed if frozen)

Finishing

1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Flour, for dusting work surface

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, mix the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and small pats of butter until well combined and juicy.
Roll Out and Cut the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the store-bought dough to smooth any creases. Cut the dough into evenly sized rectangles or circles, approximately 4 by 5 inches, suitable for hand-sized pies.
Fill the Dough Pieces: Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling into the center of each dough piece, being careful not to overfill so the filling does not leak during baking.
Seal the Pies: Brush the edges of the dough with water or egg wash. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush each sealed hand pie with the beaten egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish. Use a knife or fork to poke a few small holes on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden brown.

Notes

Don’t overfill the pies to avoid leaking during baking.
Keep the dough chilled for a flaky texture and to prevent toughness.
Cut dough into uniform pieces for even baking and consistent portions.
Make small vents on the pies to prevent sogginess by allowing steam to escape.
Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced flavor.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: apple hand pies, quick apple pies, cinnamon apple pies, portable dessert, flaky crust apple pies, easy apple hand pies