Apple Hand Pies with Cinnamon and Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Delight in these delicious Apple Hand Pies filled with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect as a cozy snack or dessert, these hand pies combine the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples for a balanced, flavorful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 hand pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 smaller Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Assembly:
- 2 sheets of store-bought pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples along with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cut Dough Circles: Roll out the store-bought pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. These will form the base and top of your hand pies.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of one dough circle. Top with another dough circle and gently press around the edges to seal the pie. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg to give them a glossy, golden finish. Using a small knife, cut two small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Arrange the assembled hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Prepare Glaze: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled hand pies and let it set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm, flaky, and sweet apple treats!
Notes
- For easier handling, chill the pie crust slightly before cutting and assembling.
- You can substitute the apple varieties with your favorite tart and sweet apples for different flavor profiles.
- Make sure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
- Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crust’s crispness.
