Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies
Flaky pastry pockets filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for a handheld dessert or snack. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, layers all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, ice water into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (cold, cubed) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes large apple
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 (for egg wash) egg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cut in 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubes using a pastry cutter or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add 1/3 cup ice water, stirring with a fork until dough just comes together. Form into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, toss 2 peeled and diced large apples with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 6-inch circles.
- Step 5: Place about 3 tbsp of the apple filling onto the center of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Brush edges with beaten 1 egg, fold dough over filling, and press edges to seal, crimping with a fork.
- Step 6: Place hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush tops with remaining egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Step 7: Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
