🥧 Why You’ll Love These Mini Apple Hand Pies
No-fuss homemade dessert that’s quick to prep
Perfectly portable for picnics, parties, or lunchboxes
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Tastes like classic apple pie in mini form!
📌 What Are Mini Apple Hand Pies?
Mini apple hand pies are individual-sized apple pies made by wrapping a sweet apple filling in pie dough, then baking or air-frying them until crispy and golden. They’re the ultimate shortcut to apple pie happiness—and way easier to make than a full pie!
🛒 Ingredients for Homemade Mini Apple Hand Pies
These pantry-friendly ingredients are all you need for sweet success:
🧾 For the Pie Crust:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water
Alternatively: 2 store-bought pie crusts (for a shortcut!)
🍏 For the Apple Filling:
2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt
🥚 For Assembly:
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp milk
Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
🧑🍳 How to Make Mini Apple Hand Pies (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
If making from scratch:
Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Gradually add ice water, stirring until dough forms.
Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Skip this if using store-bought crusts.
✅ Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, flour, and salt.
Stir and cook for 6–8 minutes until apples soften and the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and cool.
✅ Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Roll out dough to ⅛ inch thickness.
Cut into circles using a 3–4 inch cutter (or a wide glass).
Spoon 1 tbsp of cooled apple filling onto the center of half the circles.
Cover with another dough circle, pressing edges with a fork to seal.
Cut a small slit or poke holes in the top for venting.
✅ Step 4: Egg Wash & Sugar
Whisk egg with 1 tbsp milk.
Brush over each pie.
Sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional, but gives crunch & sparkle).
✅ Step 5: Bake
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Air Fryer: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
🍽️ Pro Tips for Perfect Hand Pies
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
Cool the filling before adding to dough to avoid soggy crusts.
Seal edges well with a fork or use an egg wash as “glue.”
Don’t overfill or they’ll burst open while baking.
Chill assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking for extra flakiness.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the slits: Venting prevents soggy or exploded pies.
Hot filling = disaster: Always cool it down first.
Over-handling the dough: This melts the butter and ruins the flakiness.
Too much egg wash: A little goes a long way—too much can puddle and burn.
🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Hand Pie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
🌈 Tips & Variations
🍎 Filling Swaps:
Try pear and ginger, apple cranberry, or even apple caramel.
🧁 Glaze Option:
Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar + milk glaze for bakery-style pies.
🥧 Shape Ideas:
Use heart or star-shaped cookie cutters for themed parties or holidays.
🌾 Gluten-Free Version:
Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Instructions
🧊 To Store:
Keep cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
❄️ To Freeze:
Freeze unbaked or baked pies on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Label and store for up to 3 months.
🔥 To Reheat:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Air Fryer: 3–4 minutes at 325°F (160°C).
Microwave: 20–30 seconds (will soften crust slightly).
🙋♀️ FAQs About Mini Apple Hand Pies
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the filling and dough 1–2 days in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Yes! Puff pastry gives a flakier, more buttery texture and bakes beautifully.
Q3: Are these good for school lunches?
They’re perfect for lunchboxes—just skip the sugar topping for less mess.
Q4: Can I make them vegan?
Yes. Use vegan butter or coconut oil, a plant-based milk wash, and ensure your crust is vegan-friendly.
❤️ Final Thoughts – Save & Share This Sweet Hand Pie Magic!
If you love apple desserts and crave an easy, grab-and-go twist on classic apple pie, these Mini Apple Hand Pies are for you! They’re cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so double the batch!
📌 Save this recipe to Pinterest
📤 Share it with your friends or baking group
💬 Drop a comment with your favorite filling twist!
