Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies
Flaky hand pies filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for a portable dessert or snack. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, divided granulated sugar, salt 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 220 calories and feeds 12, 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
- 1/4 cup, divided granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup, cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1, beaten large eggs
- 3, peeled and diced medium apples
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 1 cup cold cubed unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add 1/4 cup ice water, stirring until dough begins to clump together. Form into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, toss 3 peeled and diced medium apples with 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles. Place 2 tbsp apple filling in the center of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Step 5: Brush edges with beaten 1 large egg, fold dough over filling to make a half-moon shape, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Brush the tops with remaining beaten egg and sprinkle with a little granulated sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and flaky. Cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 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 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 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Hand Pies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 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.
