Easy Apple Hand Pies
For convenience, use store-bought pastry crust. It's easy and very flaky. This Apple Hand Pie combines tart and sweet apples with a blend of spices. Baked until golden brown.
Equipment
- baking sheet pan
- Rolling Pin
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Bowls
- Fork
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkle)
- 1 package of refrigerated pastry crust
Instructions
FOR THE FILLING:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. See note if you're not cooking the apples.
- Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cook the apple mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the apple mixture and stir well.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.
FOR THE HAND PIES:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8 circles.
- Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
- Transfer the hand pies to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if using.
- Cut a small slit on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
- Allow the hand pies to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
If you're not cooking the filling, follow the below instructions:
- Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and flour. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
- Fill the hand pies: Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.