Description
These Homemade Apple Hand Pies are flaky, golden, and filled with spiced apple goodness—perfect for Halloween gatherings or cozy fall nights!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie Crust:
- 3 cups (13.5 oz / 383 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp sea salt)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp ice water (plus more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 apples; Honey Crisp, Braeburn, or Fuji recommended)
- 2 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar (or 3 tbsp coconut sugar)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp whole milk (or half & half)
- 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Extra spices like cardamom or allspice for more warmth
- Caramel drizzle over finished pies
- Powdered sugar dusting before serving
Substitutions & Shortcuts:
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 GF flour blend
- Dairy-free: Swap sour cream for nondairy yogurt and butter for nondairy alternative
- Quick version: Use store-bought pie dough
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In another bowl, whisk sour cream, vinegar, and ice water. Gradually add to flour mixture until dough comes together. Divide into 2 discs, wrap, and chill at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until apples soften but hold shape. Cool completely.
- Assemble the pies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough to 1/8-inch thick. Cut circles (~4 inches). Place 1–2 tbsp apple filling in the center. Brush edges with egg wash (egg + milk), fold into half-moons, and crimp edges with a fork.
- Finish and bake: Transfer pies to a lined baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with turbinado sugar (if using). Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let rest on baking sheet a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill the dough to ensure a flaky crust.
- Do not overfill the pies—too much filling can cause them to burst open.
- These hand pies can be frozen before baking and baked directly from frozen (add 5 extra minutes of bake time).
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Recipe
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple hand pies, halloween dessert, fall baking, mini pies, spiced apple pies