Mini Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies
Flaky mini hand pies filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, perfect for bite-sized dessert treats. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 67 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold and cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar 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 180 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 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup, cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 2 medium, peeled and diced apple
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large, beaten for egg wash egg
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt; cut in 3/4 cup cold cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, mixing with a fork until dough comes together; form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 peeled and diced medium apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp lemon juice; cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender and filling thickens; cool completely.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness; cut into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter.
- Step 6: Place 1 tbsp of cooled apple filling in the center of each circle, brush edges with beaten egg, fold dough over to form a half-moon, and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Step 7: Brush tops with remaining beaten egg and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mini Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies take to make?
Total time is about 67 minutes (45 min prep + 22 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 Mini Cinnamon 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 Mini Cinnamon 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 Mini Cinnamon 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 Mini Cinnamon 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.
