Looking for a simple, tasty snack? These apple and cinnamon hand pies bring a classic autumn flavour to your kitchen. They are portable, easy to share, and ideal for enjoying on a walk or with a cuppa. A flaky pastry and spiced apple filling will hit the spot for anyone craving a comforting sweet treat. If you're in the mood for similar baked goodies, you might also want to check out our Mixed Postal Brownie Box.
Start with a reliable pie dough recipe—they are easy to make and worth the extra time. You can make the pastry the night before if time is a concern, and it can rest in the fridge. Then you’ll prepare a straightforward spiced apple filling that tastes like a mini apple crumble in each bite.
Ingredients
For the pastry, you will need:
- 250g plain flour
- 150g cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp caster sugar
- 80ml cold water
For the apple filling, gather:
- 3 small apples (peeled and chopped)
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
For the glaze (optional but recommended):
- 100g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Method
Step 1: Make the pastry
In a large bowl, add your flour, sugar, and salt. Mix together. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips. The mixture should resemble breadcrumbs.
Once the butter is combined, slowly pour in the cold water. Stir until a dough forms. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the apple filling
While the dough chills, make the filling. In a medium saucepan, add your chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cornflour. Stir well. Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples soften but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Assemble the hand pies
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Roll out your chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to around 3mm thick. Using a round cutter (or a large mug), cut out circles.
Spoon a tablespoon of the apple filling into the centre of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a semi-circle and seal the edges using a fork to crimp them together. Looking for more dessert inspiration? Try our Gluten-Free Vegan Postal Brownies for a delightful alternative!
Step 4: Bake
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Transfer each hand pie to the tray, spacing them lightly apart. Before baking, brush the tops with a little milk or an egg wash (1 egg, beaten).
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
While the hand pies are cooling, mix the icing sugar, milk, and vanilla together in a small bowl. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm pies for extra sweetness.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, which is doubtful, you can store the hand pies in an airtight container for up to three days. They are best eaten warm. A quick reheat in the microwave or low oven will bring the pastry back to life. Also, don't miss out on our Brownie Cookie Selection Box—the perfect snack for unexpected guests.
Why Choose These Ingredients?
Apples are widely available and inexpensive. Cooking them with sugar gives a nice balance of sweetness and tartness, further enhanced by the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Using plain flour and butter gives you a dependable flaky pastry. The butter must be cold to achieve the right texture. Cold butter creates steam during baking, making the pastry flaky.
Shortcuts
If you want to save time, pre-made puff pastry works, although the texture differs. Rolled puff pastry sheets can help you skip making pastry altogether. The pies will still bake up golden and crispy.
Fun Additions
Feel free to get creative. Consider mixing raisins or sultanas into the apple filling for added sweetness. You could also sprinkle brown sugar over the top before baking to give the pies a caramelised crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Hand pies are ideal for gatherings, whether a picnic or a weekend get-together. Since they are individually portioned, finger food lovers will appreciate them. Chunky fillings mean minimal mess, and they are easy to serve without any need for extra plates or cutlery.
If you’re looking for a dessert that fits in with an afternoon tea spread, these bake well as mini pies, too. Simply use a smaller cutter—around 5-6 cm wide. You get the same flavour in smaller bites.
What’s Your Favourite Filling?
There’s room to experiment with hand pies. You can try other classic fillings, such as strawberries in the summer or mincemeat during festive seasons. Would you like to try a savoury version? Why not swap out the apples for cheese and onion or ham and leek to turn these into a quick lunch option.
The possibilities are endless. This recipe serves as a great base for you to explore the kinds of flavours your taste buds are craving.
