If you’re looking for a delicious, portable dessert that brings the warmth of homemade apple pie right to your fingertips, you’re in for a treat! These Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are a fantastic blend of flaky, buttery crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also exceedingly easy to make, making them perfect for a quick breakfast, a delightful snack, or a lovely dessert that can impress your guests. Imagine biting into a warm pie with the flaky crust crumbling slightly as you reach the tender, flavorful apple filling within—what’s not to love?
The appeal of these hand pies lies not just in their flavor, but also in their versatility. They can be enjoyed any time of the day! Serve them as a breakfast treat alongside coffee or share them with friends at a festive brunch gathering. Their delightful glaze adds a sweet finishing touch without making them overly rich. Additionally, these pies are family-friendly and even freezer-friendly, which means they can be made ahead of time and enjoyed later. This attribute is particularly beneficial during the bustling holiday season, so you can easily keep a stash of these on hand for unexpected guests or your sudden cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Individual Apple Hand Pies Recipe
- Deliciously Flaky Crust: The buttery, flaky crust makes each bite heavenly.
- Warm Cinnamon-Spiced Filling: The combination of apple and spices never fails to impress.
- Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are easy to take on the go—ideal for busy mornings!
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or glazes.
- Family and Freezer Friendly: Prepare them ahead and store for later enjoyment.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the baking adventure of these Individual Apple Hand Pies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by clearing a work surface and ensuring you have all your ingredients at room temperature, as this will help you create the dough more easily. A clean cutting board and sharp knife will be crucial for chopping the apples finely to ensure they cook through during baking.
For this recipe, you’ll need basic baking essentials including mixing bowls, a rolling pin, a whisk, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having a pastry cutter or two forks on hand will also help you cut the butter into the flour smoothly, ensuring a crumbly texture fits the crust perfectly. Additionally, a measuring cup and spoons are essential for accuracy in your ingredients. Once everything is prepped, you’ll be ready to create these delightful hand pies with ease!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin your culinary journey by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or a couple of forks, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crucial step ensures that the crust remains flaky. Once you achieve that crumbly texture, gradually incorporate ice water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed, just until the dough holds together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flaky integrity; then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
As the dough chills, you can make your delicious apple filling. Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are softened and aromatic. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the optional cornstarch and let the filling cool before using it.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles that are 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. Aim for a total of 12 circles; you’ll need 6 tops and 6 bottoms for the pies!
Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies
Next comes the fun part! Take half of the dough circles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each circle, leaving ample border space for sealing. Top with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges together securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges to create a beautiful seal and provide a decorative touch. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking!
Step 5: Brush and Bake
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the tops of the assembled hand pies to achieve a golden-brown finish during baking. Bake the pies for 22–25 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once your kitchen fills with the delightful scent of baked apples, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While your pies are cooling, it’s time to make the sweet glaze! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the remaining vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach a smooth consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled hand pies, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding bits of crispy bacon to the filling for a sweet and salty combination.
- Vegetables: Try including finely diced pears or even cranberries for a seasonal twist.
- Spices: Incorporate variations of spices such as ginger or cloves to enhance the warming flavors of the apple mixture.
Cooking Notes
- Allow the pies to cool completely before glazing for a neat finish.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of lemon juice in the apple mixture while cooking.
- You can make the pie crust up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Store unglazed pies in an airtight container or freeze them to enjoy later.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these delightful hand pies warm for the best experience, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a coffee break, enjoy them alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Tips
- Keep your butter cold to ensure a flaky crust; handle the dough as little as possible.
- Use a variety of apples for a richer flavor—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices!
- Adjust the level of sweetness in the apple filling according to your taste preferences.
- Experiment with different glazes—try adding a touch of almond extract for a unique flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I use other fruits for filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches, blueberries, or even a mix for a unique twist!
How do I store the hand pies?
Store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them. They can also be frozen for longer shelf life.
Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Assemble and bake the pies just before serving for the best flavor and freshness.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans could add an enjoyable crunchy contrast to the soft apple filling.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are a delightful addition to any dessert repertoire, offering a charming and delicious way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors. With their flaky crust, sweet filling, and pretty glaze, they are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you make them for a holiday celebration, a casual brunch, or simply for an indulgent snack at home, there’s no doubt they’ll become a favorite in your household. We encourage you to try this recipe, share it with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to add your unique twist to it. Happy baking!
Print
Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
Description
A delightful, portable dessert blending flaky crust and cinnamon-spiced apple filling.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin your culinary journey by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or a couple of forks, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crucial step ensures that the crust remains flaky. Once you achieve that crumbly texture, gradually incorporate ice water, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more as needed, just until the dough holds together. Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flaky integrity; then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- As the dough chills, you can make your delicious apple filling. Start by melting the 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cook this mixture for about 5–7 minutes until the apples are softened and aromatic. If you prefer a thicker filling, stir in the optional cornstarch and let the filling cool before using it.
- When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles that are 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter. Aim for a total of 12 circles; you’ll need 6 tops and 6 bottoms for the pies!
- Next comes the fun part! Take half of the dough circles and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling onto the center of each circle, leaving ample border space for sealing. Top with the remaining dough circles, pressing the edges together securely. Use a fork to crimp the edges to create a beautiful seal and provide a decorative touch. Don’t forget to cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking!
- In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Gently brush this mixture over the tops of the assembled hand pies to achieve a golden-brown finish during baking. Bake the pies for 22–25 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once your kitchen fills with the delightful scent of baked apples, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- While your pies are cooling, it’s time to make the sweet glaze! In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the remaining vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream until you reach a smooth consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over the cooled hand pies, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. Ensure butter is cold for best results.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 3 g