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- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour - 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon milk - Pinch of salt To make these tasty cinnamon apple hand pies, you need fresh ingredients. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They bring the right balance of sweet and tart. You will also need lemon juice. This keeps the apples from browning. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the filling. Granulated sugar sweetens the pie, while flour helps thicken the mix. For the crust, I always grab a package of refrigerated pie crusts. They save time and taste great! You will also need an egg for the egg wash. This gives your pies a nice golden color when baked. A splash of milk adds richness to the wash. Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the filling. Gathering these ingredients is the fun part. You can already imagine how tasty your hand pies will be! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a mixing bowl. Dice the apples into small pieces. I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to keep the apples fresh. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients gently until the apples are well-coated. Let this mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend and the apples to release some juices. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Now, take your package of refrigerated pie crusts. Unroll them on a lightly floured surface. Roll them out gently if needed. Cut each crust into quarters. You will have eight squares ready to fill. Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, or they will burst while baking. Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges together firmly with your fingers. Then, crimp the edges with a fork to seal them securely. This ensures no filling escapes while baking. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash. This will give your hand pies a lovely golden color. Place the filled and sealed hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash. For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar on top. Bake your hand pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and bubbly filling to know they are done. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they bake! When making cinnamon apple hand pies, the type of apple matters. I love using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well when baked. This gives a nice contrast to the sweet filling. On the other hand, Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy. They add a great texture to the pies. Mixing both types can create a fun flavor burst. Using refrigerated pie crusts saves time. Make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes them easier to roll out. When rolling, keep a little flour on your surface to avoid sticking. A soggy bottom can ruin your hand pies. To prevent this, sprinkle a bit of flour on the filling before sealing. This absorbs extra moisture. Look for a golden-brown color when your hand pies are done. A nice shine means the egg wash worked well. If you see bubbling filling, that’s a good sign too! Once they are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set and keeps the crust crisp. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or balanced varieties like Honeycrisp. Don’t Overfill the Pies: Ensure you leave enough space at the edges to seal the pies properly, preventing any filling from leaking out during baking. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg, allspice, or even a hint of vanilla extract to the apple filling for a unique flavor twist. Store Properly: To keep your hand pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your hand pies. Adding nuts or raisins to the filling gives a nice crunch. Try walnuts or pecans for a rich taste. Raisins add a sweet twist that pairs well with apples. You can also mix in different spices. Nutmeg adds warmth, while ginger brings a bright kick. These spices can enhance the apple flavor and make your hand pies unique. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix. If you need gluten-free hand pies, use gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer great options that taste just like regular dough. You can also make your own crust using gluten-free flour. For a vegan option, skip the egg wash. Use a mix of plant milk and a bit of maple syrup instead. This will give your pies a lovely glaze without the egg. These swaps keep your hand pies delicious for everyone. Serving your hand pies warm is best. They taste amazing with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla or caramel ice cream adds a sweet creaminess that balances the spices. You can also serve them with whipped cream. This adds lightness and a touch of sweetness. Another fun idea is to drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. This adds a rich touch that makes your hand pies feel extra special. Enjoy these delicious treats with your favorite sides! To keep your cinnamon apple hand pies fresh, store them properly. The best method for refrigeration is to let them cool completely. After cooling, place the pies in an airtight container. This helps keep them from getting soggy. You can also use plastic wrap to cover them tightly. Recommended storage containers include: - Airtight plastic containers - Glass containers with lids - Resealable plastic bags (remove as much air as possible) You can freeze hand pies before or after baking. For freezing before baking, prepare the pies as usual. Then, place them on a baking sheet. Put the sheet in the freezer until the pies are firm. After they freeze, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to pull out as many as you want later. If you want to freeze them after baking, let the pies cool first. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. For reheating frozen pies, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Remove the pies from the freezer and unwrap them. 3. Place the pies on a baking sheet. 4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This will help keep the crust crispy and the filling warm. Enjoy your delicious hand pies any time! For the best hand pies, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness that balances the sweet filling. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and juicy, adding great flavor and texture. The mix of these apples gives your hand pies a perfect taste and crunch. Yes, you can make the filling in advance! Just prepare the filling as directed and store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. This lets the flavors develop and makes assembly faster when you're ready to bake. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before filling the pastry. To keep your hand pies crispy, avoid moisture. When storing, place them in a cool, dry spot. Use a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture. For reheating, use an oven instead of a microwave. This helps keep the crust flaky and delicious. Bake them at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. This guide shows you how to create delicious apple hand pies. You learned about the right ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Choosing the best apples and perfecting the dough are key. I also shared fun variations and storage tips to keep them fresh. Now, it’s time for you to enjoy making these treats. They are easy and so tasty! Happy baking!

Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with spiced apples, perfect for a sweet treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Toss until the apples are well-coated, then set aside to let the flavors meld for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll Out the Dough: Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each crust into quarters, yielding 8 squares total.
  • Fill the Pastry: Place a generous spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pastry square, ensuring not to overfill.
  • Seal the Pies: Fold each pastry square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork to seal securely.
  • Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth. This will give the hand pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
  • Brush the Pies: Place the filled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash for a shine and sprinkle a small amount of sugar on top for added sweetness.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  • Cool and Serve: Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Keyword apple, cinnamon, dessert, hand pies