Name: Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300 g all-purpose flour; 60 g granulated sugar; 1 tsp salt; 220 g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes; 110 ml water; 800 g apples, peeled and cut into small cubes; 60 g unsalted butter; 150 g brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp water; 1 egg; 1 tbsp water (for egg wash); 4 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)

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I make these Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies) as a cozy, handheld version of a classic dessert. They come out flaky and buttery on the outside, with a warm apple-cinnamon filling inside that feels comforting and nostalgic. I enjoy serving them for tea time, dessert, or whenever I want something sweet and homemade.

Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies)

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

300 g all-purpose flour

60 g granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

220 g unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

110 ml water

800 g apples, peeled and cut into small cubes

60 g unsalted butter

150 g brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon cornstarch

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon water

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

4 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions

I start by mixing the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Then I add the cold butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until I get a crumbly texture with small butter pieces still visible.

I pour in the water and gently knead just until the dough comes together. I wrap it and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

For the filling, I combine the diced apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water in a pot over medium heat. I cook the mixture until the apples soften and it thickens into a jam-like consistency. I let it cool completely, then chill it until firm.

I roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 2 mm thickness and cut circles using a 9 to 10 cm cutter. I place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of half the circles.

I slightly stretch the top circles, place them over the filling, and seal the edges with a fork. I trim them neatly if needed and cut small slits on top.

I beat the egg with water, brush it over the pies, and sprinkle brown sugar on top. I bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 15 mini pies from this recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap apples for pears or mix both for a different flavor. I like adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a deeper spice profile. Occasionally, I drizzle a simple glaze over the baked pies instead of sprinkling sugar on top for a sweeter finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I want to reheat them, I place them in the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes to bring back their crisp texture. I avoid microwaving because it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I freeze mini apple pies?

I freeze them either before or after baking. When unbaked, I bake them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

What apples work best for this recipe?

I prefer firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.

How do I keep the crust flaky?

I make sure the butter stays cold and avoid overworking the dough, which helps keep that flaky texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

I prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until I am ready to use it.

Why did my filling leak out?

I make sure not to overfill the pies and press the edges tightly with a fork to seal them properly.

Conclusion

I find these Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies) to be a perfect blend of simplicity and comfort. They bring together a flaky crust and a warmly spiced filling in a way that feels homemade and satisfying. I enjoy making them for gatherings or quiet moments, and they never fail to deliver that cozy dessert experience.

📖 Recipe:

Mini Apple Pies (Apple Hand Pies)

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 15 mini pies
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Flaky, buttery mini apple hand pies filled with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple mixture, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack. These handheld treats are easy to serve and irresistibly comforting.

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and rub into the mixture until crumbly with small butter pieces visible.
Add water and gently knead until the dough comes together. Wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a pot over medium heat, combine apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, salt, and water. Cook until apples soften and mixture thickens. Cool completely, then chill.
Roll dough on a floured surface to about 2 mm thickness. Cut circles (9–10 cm diameter).
Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of half the circles.
Cover with remaining circles, seal edges with a fork, trim if needed, and cut small slits on top.
Beat egg with water and brush over pies. Sprinkle brown sugar on top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20–30 minutes until golden brown.