Delicious individual apple hand pies with a glaze topping.

Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

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Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze: A Cozy Fall Treat

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s something simply magical about the scent of fresh apples wafting through the kitchen. It brings back fond memories of autumn afternoons spent with family, the warmth of the oven embracing us like a favorite blanket. These Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are not just pastries; they embody nostalgia, comfort, and cozy moments together. Imagine biting into flaky crust filled with tender, spiced apples, topped with a sweet drizzle that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to end your weeknight dinners or a charming treat to pack for a picnic, this recipe is sure to fill your heart—and stomach! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, these hand pies come together in a pinch.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Their individual size makes them easy to share (if you choose!).
  • Endless Variations: Customize the filling or glaze for unique twists.
  • Family-Friendly Activity: Involve the kids in making and folding the pies for a hands-on cooking experience.
  • Crispy Golden Goodness: Each bite is filled with a delightful texture that’ll have you coming back for more.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful hand pies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples (your favorite variety)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Let’s Make It Together

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together. Divide the dough into two pieces, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. In another bowl, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  4. Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
  5. Place a tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of half of the circles. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal. Brush the tops with egg wash for that glorious golden finish.
  6. Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and perfectly puffed.
  7. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm hand pies just before serving to create an irresistible sweet finish.

Delicious Variations to Try

  • Add Cinnamon Raisins: For a more indulgent flavor, toss in some plump cinnamon raisins with the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Nutty Crunch: Mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft apple filling.
  • Cheesy Surprise: Try adding a bit of cream cheese to the apple mixture for a rich, creamy twist.
  • Citrus Zing: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into your apple filling for an invigorating burst of flavor.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

  • Make Ahead & Freeze: You can prepare the hand pies and freeze them uncooked. Just bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready for a treat in no time!
  • Perfect Slicing Tricks: If you don’t have a round cutter, the top of a glass works perfectly too!
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. A bit of cardamom or ginger can add a lovely warmth.
  • Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition Information per Serving

  • Serving Size: 1 hand pie
  • Calories: 288
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Sodium: 88mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time, or even freeze unbaked hand pies for up to 3 months.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or even chocolate for a decadent version.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature. If refrigerated, they’ll last longer but might lose some of their crispiness.

How long does it last?
These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh, but if stored properly, they’ll last for about 2-3 days.

Wrapping It Up

These Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall. Their crisp pastry, warm apple filling, and sweet glaze come together to create an irresistible dessert that’s sure to bring comfort and joy. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is exceptional. Save this Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze to your fall dessert board so it’s ready when you need a sweet, comforting treat! Happy baking!

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Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Cozy hand pies filled with tender, spiced apples and topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 1/4 cup ice water
  • 4 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together. Divide the dough into two pieces, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. In another bowl, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Set aside.
  4. Roll out one piece of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
  5. Place a tablespoon of the apple mixture in the center of half the circles. Fold the other half over and press the edges to seal. Brush the tops with egg wash.
  6. Place the hand pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the warm hand pies before serving.

Notes

Make ahead and freeze the unbaked hand pies for quick treats later. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hand pie
  • Calories: 288
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 88mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: apple pie, hand pies, fall dessert, cozy treat, baking

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