Hey y'all! If you're craving a dessert that captures the cozy spirit of autumn, these Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert treats will warm your heart (and your kitchen!). Buttery, golden pastry wraps around a luscious cinnamon-apple filling, making these hand pies irresistible for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple weekend treat. Ready for an all-in-one, portable, and utterly delicious dessert? Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert Recipe
- Perfectly portable and mess-free, great for lunchboxes or picnics.
- Sweet-tart apple filling with cozy fall spices in every bite.
- Quick prep and bake time makes it doable for any skill level.
- Flexible enough for homemade or store-bought pie crust.
- Ideal for making ahead and freezing for later!
Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert Ingredients
- 2 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), or homemade equivalent
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 teaspoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
Step 1: Prep the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy. Sprinkle in flour and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible (usually 8-10 total).
Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies
Place half the circles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cooled apple filling into the center of each. Brush the edges with beaten egg. Place a second crust circle on top, pressing edges together, then crimps with a fork to seal. Cut a small vent on top of each pie. Brush tops with more egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake hand pies for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Cool for 10 minutes before enjoying warm, or let cool completely for storage.
Notes for Success with Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
- Don’t overfill the hand pies—too much filling leads to leaks!
- Seal edges tightly with a fork (here's a step-by-step sealing guide).
- If pie crust warms up too much, chill assembled pies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking.
Variations on Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
- Caramel Apple: Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the apple filling for decadent flavor.
- Spiced Pear: Substitute pears for apples and add a pinch of ginger for a different fall twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust for a celiac-friendly version (find tips here).
Required Equipment for Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
- Rolling pin
- 4-inch round cookie cutter (or small bowl)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Fork (for crimping edges)
Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert Storage Instructions
Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap individually and place in a freezer-safe bag—thaw at room temperature and crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Serving Ideas and Pairings for Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with mulled cider or hot coffee for the ultimate fall experience.
- Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for extra autumnal decadence.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert
- Chill all dough and filling before assembly to prevent sogginess—more tips at Serious Eats.
- For extra crunch, use sanding sugar for sprinkling instead of regular sugar.
- Vent holes are a must! They release steam and keep the pastry crisp and flaky.
Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert FAQ
Can I make these apple hand pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully bake, cool, and freeze them, just reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for Apple Hand Pies Fall Dessert?
Absolutely—it saves time and still delivers fantastic, flaky results.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith are ideal, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn offer great flavor too.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced peeled apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts total)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
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3Unroll the pie crusts and cut out 4-inch circles using a round cutter. Gather scraps and re-roll to make a total of 8 circles.
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4Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold dough over filling to form a half-moon shape and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork.
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5Place hand pies on prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush over pies. Sprinkle with coarse sugar. Cut a small slit in each pie for steam to escape.
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6Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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