Oven-Baked Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies
Flaky hand pies filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (315g) all-purpose flour, (227g), cold and cubed unsalted butter, 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 280 calories and feeds 8, 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 (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227g), cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp (38g), plus extra for sprinkling granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6-8 tbsp (90-120ml) ice water
- 2 large (about 500g), peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces medium apple
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 large, beaten for egg wash egg
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 1 cup cold unsalted butter cubes with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 2: Gradually add 6-8 tbsp ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing gently until dough just comes together. Form dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, toss 2 large peeled and diced apples with 2 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl; set aside.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.
- Step 5: Place 2 tbsp apple filling in the center of each circle, fold dough over to form a half-moon shape, and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Step 6: Brush each hand pie with 1 beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.
- Step 7: Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Oven-Baked 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 Oven-Baked 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 Oven-Baked Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Oven-Baked 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.
