Easy Apple Hand Pies

Easy apple hand pies bring all the charm of classic apple pie in a portable package with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky pastry. This easy dessert is ideal for any fall occasion!

My youngest is in first grade, and his class celebrates Johnny Appleseed’s birthday with apple-themed activities, including a party where all the food is apple-based.

It was the perfect chance to make some of my favorite apple recipes, like these little apple hand pies. They’ve got all the deliciousness of a traditional apple pie but in a fun, grab-and-go size.

Love apples? Try our French Apple Cake and Apple Crisp Cheesecake as well!

Why I love this recipe

• Using frozen puff pastry instead of homemade pie crust makes the process even easier and give the pies a light, flaky texture that can’t be beaten.
• They are great for casual family gatherings or as a fun treat to share at a fall or autumn party.
• My kids love helping with this recipe, especially when it comes to crimping the edges of the pies.
• You can prep the filling or even assemble the pies in advance, making it stress-free when you are ready to bake.

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour
• store-bought puff pastry dough
• apples
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• unsalted butter
• egg yolk
• coarse sugar

What are the best apples for baking?

When it comes to baking, choosing the right apple is key. Firm varieties are best, and some great options include Granny Smith, Rome (often called “the baker’s buddy”), Jonathan or Jonagold, Cortland, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp.

I don’t recommend using Gala, Fuji, or Red Delicious apples, as they tend to get mushy when baked.

Step by step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, beat egg and water. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add butter, chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until tender and saucy.
4. On a floured surface, unfold one puff pastry and roll with a rolling pin to create a 12-inch square.
5. Using a three-inch circle cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles. Repeat with the second roll, set aside.

1. Fill each dough circle with 1 tablespoon of apple pie filling. Brush the edges with egg wash, top with another circle, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them shut.
2. Brush the pies with egg wash, cut three small slits in the top of each pie, and sprinkle on top with coarse sugar. Transfer them to baking sheets.
3. Bake 20 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
4. Serve and enjoy with your favorite fall drinks!

Variations

Try substituting the apple filling for another fruit like blueberry, pears, or peaches. You can also add a handful of raisins or cranberries to the apple mixture for extra flavor. If you prefer more spices, add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the filling.

Serving suggestions

Serve these on their own for a grab-and-go snack or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage

You can make the apple filling ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

You can also keep assembled mini-pies before baking in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. If baking from frozen you will need to extend the baking time a few minutes.

To store leftover already baked apple turnovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

More apple recipes to try

• Cinnamon Apple Bread
• Apple Pie Roll-Ups
• Cinnamon Apple Cake

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!