What are some of the best hand pies recipes? What are some of the best portable apple pie recipes? Is it easier to make a full-sized pie? When it comes to easy, comforting hand pies recipes, this is the one that my family always requests.

What Are Hand Pies?

Hand pies are basically miniature, single-serving pies that you can hold in your hand (hence the name!). How do you make a pie with a flaky crust instead of filling a whole pie dish? Think of it as a pastry hug filled with deliciousness. They can be sweet or savory, baked or fried, and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Is it essentially all the joy of pie, without the need for a fork and plate?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What I love most about these hand pies is that they’re the perfect balance of comforting and convenient.

• Flavor that pops: The filling is a symphony of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s like autumn in every bite!
• Ridiculously Easy: Don’t let “pie” intimidate you! This recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner bakers. I promise.
• What is a pocket-friendlyI always seem to have the ingredients on hand!
• Snackable VersatilityWhat is the best time to make a hand pie?

Seriously, these are easier than making a batch of cookies, and much more satisfying in my opinion! Plus, they’re much easier than making a whole pie. What are some of my favorite easy treats? Chocolate Chip Cookies?

How do I make a hand pie?

Quick Overview

How do I make pies? Make the dough (or use store-bought, I won’t judge! ), prepare the filling, bake until golden brown, and then drizzle with a sweet glaze. What is the best part? You can easily customize the filling with your favorite fruits or spices. The real win?

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Make sure it is very cold!
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. 1 teaspoon ground clove. 1 teaspoon ground clove.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice. This helps keep the apples from browning!

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar per 1 cup.
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk. 2-3 tablespoons.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. I always use pure vanilla extract here.

What is the step-by-

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. How do you add ice water to dough?

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside. I sometimes let it sit for a little bit to let the juices release, but that’s just me!

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or a bowl to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Cut a few slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Bake

Bake hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool before glazing. My oven runs a little hot, so I usually check them at 18 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and Vanilla Extract. Drizzle the glaze over the warm hand pies. Let the glaze set before serving. If you don’t want a glaze, you can also brush the pies with an egg wash before baking for a golden color.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

I know, it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it. They are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best ways to serve these little pies?

• What is a simple dessert?Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• For a brunch treat:How do you serve a cup of coffee with your brunch spread?
• For a snack:What are some good hand pie recipes to make on the go?
• For a fall gathering: Make a batch to share with friends and family. You’ll be the hit of the party!

My family loves apple cider in the fall. It’s the ultimate cozy combination!

How do I make a hand pie?

How do I make hand pies?

• Cold is key: Make sure your butter and water are ice cold. This will help create a flaky crust. I sometimes even chill my flour!
• Don’t overwork the dough. Don’t overwork the dough Overworking the dough will result in a tough crust. Mix it until it just comes together.
• Seal them well:I had a few explosions the first time I made these. Crimp the edges tightly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Customize the filling: Customize the fillingHow do I add other fruits, nuts, or spices to the filling?
• Egg Wash:For a golden crust, brush the tops of the hand pies with an egg wash before baking.
• Make Ahead:Can you make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days?

What are some tips for filling apples?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or microwave for a quick snack. My kids prefer them cold, straight from the fridge! If you freeze them, let them thaw completely before reheating to prevent a soggy crust.

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these hand pies a try! They’re a truly special treat that brings so much joy to my family, and I know they’ll do the same for yours too. What are some of the best recipes for Apple Crumble bars? What are some of the best ideas for baking?