Cute Little Apple Hand Pies: The Perfect Bite-Sized Fall Treat

These adorable apple hand pies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a portable, easy-to-eat form. With a buttery, flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling, each little pie is the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or packing them for a lunchbox treat, these hand pies are sure to be a hit!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly portable: These hand pies are the ideal snack or dessert for on-the-go, picnics, or parties.
• Flaky, buttery crust: The sour cream-based dough gives these pies a wonderfully tender and flaky crust.
• Warm, spiced apple filling: The apple filling is soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced, with a touch of lemon to enhance the flavors.
• Customizable: Use cookie cutters to shape the pies into fun, themed shapes for special occasions, or stick with classic squares for simplicity.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, cold

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 4 large apples, peeled and cored
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons sparkling sugar (optional)

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Instructions

For the Crust:

1. Make the dough:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
2. Cut in the butter:
   Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse meal, with pea-sized butter pieces still visible.
3. Add sour cream:
   Stir in the cold sour cream with a rubber spatula. The dough will look shaggy at first.
4. Bring the dough together:
   Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead it together gently with a few quick folds.
5. Roll and fold:
   Pat the dough into a 10-inch log. Roll it out into a 12″ x 14″ rectangle. Dust both sides lightly with flour, and fold it into thirds, like a letter. Flip the dough over, and roll it out again into a 12″ x 14″ rectangle. Fold it in three again, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.

For the Apple Pie Filling:

1. Prepare the apples:
   Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Set aside.
2. Cook the apples:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until golden, about 1 minute. Add the apples, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 8 minutes until the apples are completely softened.
3. Thicken the filling:
   Sprinkle the flour over the apples and stir well to combine. Let the mixture cook for 2 more minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 15 minutes.

Assembly:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Roll out the dough:
   Roll the chilled dough into an 18″ x 18″ square on a floured surface.
3. Cut the dough:
   Use an apple-shaped cookie cutter or a pastry wheel to cut out 16 apple-shaped pieces (or 16 squares if you prefer). Place 8 of the dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheet.
4. Fill with apple mixture:
   Divide the apple filling among the 8 dough pieces, using about 1 heaping tablespoon for each. Brush the edges of each filled square with some of the beaten egg.
5. Top the pies:
   Cut small vents into the remaining 8 squares (using a knife or a small heart-shaped cookie cutter). Place each vented square on top of the filled ones. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
6. Egg wash and sparkling sugar:
   Brush the tops of each pie with the remaining beaten egg. If desired, sprinkle with sparkling sugar for a little extra crunch and shimmer.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Cool and serve:
   Let the pies cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy while they’re still warm!

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Servings and Timing:

• Servings: 8 hand pies
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)

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Variations:

• Spiced pear filling: Try using pears instead of apples for a unique variation on the filling. Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor.
• Add nuts: Stir in a handful of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added texture.
• Mini hand pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make mini versions of these hand pies for bite-sized treats.

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Storage:

• Storing leftovers: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked hand pies before egg washing and baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen for about 20 minutes.

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FAQs

Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes! These hand pies are versatile. You can use other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries—just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the fruit requires it.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture in the filling, but if you prefer a bit more texture, you can leave the skins on.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Just wrap it in plastic and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble.

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Conclusion

These cute little apple hand pies are a delightful treat that combines the best of homemade pie with a fun, portable shape. With their flaky crust, warm apple filling, and touch of sweetness from the sparkling sugar, they make the perfect snack for fall or any time you’re craving a comforting dessert.

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