There’s just something magical about apple hand pies, especially when the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp. These old-fashioned apple hand pies for Halloween and Thanksgiving are my absolute go-to. I remember making them with my grandma when I was little, the whole kitchen filling up with that warm, spicy apple scent. She always said they were easier to eat at parties than a big slice of pie, and she was so right! They’re just perfectly portable and delightfully sweet, making them a total hit for any fall gathering.
Why You'll Love These Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies
Seriously, these old-fashioned apple hand pies are a game-changer for your fall baking! They’re:
- Super easy to make, even for beginners.
- Packed with that cozy cinnamon-apple flavor everyone adores.
- Perfectly portioned for parties and easy to eat on the go.
They truly are the best way to capture that autumn spirit!
Perfect for Fall Celebrations
With their warm spices and sweet apple filling, these hand pies just scream fall! They’re ideal for spooky Halloween parties or cozy Thanksgiving get-togethers. Plus, they look so festive and homemade!
Gathering Your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pie Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our culinary ducks in a row! To make these delightful old-fashioned apple hand pies, you’ll need a few key players. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably have in your pantry or can grab easily. Having everything prepped makes the actual pie-making so much smoother, trust me. Having the right Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pie Ingredients makes all the difference!
For the Flaky Pie Dough
The secret to a super flaky crust is keeping things cold! We’ll need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt for flavor, and a whole cup of cold, unsalted butter, cut into nice little cubes. Then, about 6 to 8 tablespoons of the coldest ice water you can manage. That’s it for the dough!
For the Sweet Apple Filling
For the star of the show, grab about 6 medium apples – Honeycrisp or Gala are fantastic because they hold their shape and have a lovely sweet-tart flavor. Peel, core, and chop them up! Then, we’ll mix in ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup packed brown sugar for that deep caramel note, 2 tablespoons more flour to thicken things up, and our warm spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and just a pinch of cloves. A tablespoon of lemon juice brightens it all up! You can learn more about the nutritional composition of apples here.
Crafting Perfect Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies: Step-by-Step
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these amazing Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies! It’s not as tricky as it sounds, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious, homemade pies in no time.
Preparing the Dough
First things first, let’s get that dough ready. In a big bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Now, cut in that cold butter. You can use a pastry blender, or even just your fingertips, until it looks like coarse crumbs – think little peas. Gradually add the ice water, just a tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough *just* starts to come together. Don’t overdo it! Divide it into two equal halves, flatten them into discs, wrap them up tight in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling is super important for a flaky crust!
Making the Apple Filling
While the dough is chilling, let’s whip up that yummy apple filling. In a separate bowl, combine your chopped apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, the extra flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give it all a good stir so every apple piece is coated in that lovely spice mix. Don’t forget the lemon juice – it adds a little brightness and stops the apples from browning too much. This filling smells incredible even before it hits the oven!
Assembling the Hand Pies
Time to put it all together! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper – makes cleanup a breeze! On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of those chilled dough discs to about ⅛-inch thick. Use a 6-inch round cutter (a bowl or pot lid works great!) to cut out circles. Do the same with the other dough disc. Now, spoon about ¼ cup of that glorious apple filling onto one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water – this helps them seal. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating that classic half-moon shape. Crimp the edges really well with a fork to seal everything inside. You don’t want any of that delicious filling escaping!
Baking Your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies to Golden Perfection
Almost there! Carefully cut a few little slits on the top of each hand pie. This lets the steam escape as they bake, preventing them from puffing up too much. Place the assembled pies on your prepared baking sheets. Now, give them a nice brush with that beaten egg wash – this gives them a beautiful golden sheen. And for that extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re puffed up, beautifully golden brown, and you can see the filling starting to bubble through those little vents.
Cooling and Serving Your Hand Pies
Once they’re out of the oven, let the hand pies cool on the baking sheets for just a few minutes. This lets them firm up a bit so they don’t fall apart when you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Honestly, they smell so good, it’s hard to wait! They’re delicious served warm, maybe with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream, or perfectly fine at room temperature for your parties. You might also enjoy our triple chocolate cheesecake for another dessert option.
Tips for Success with Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies
Want your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies to be absolutely perfect? A few little tricks make all the difference! Keeping your dough ingredients super cold is key for that flaky crust, and don’t be afraid to really seal those edges tight. If your filling seems a bit too juicy, just add a tiny bit more flour. It’s all about that balance!
Dough Handling for Flakiness
Seriously, don’t skip chilling that dough! Cold butter and cold water are your best friends here. When you’re mixing, try not to overwork the dough; you want to see those little bits of butter still in there. That’s what creates the flaky layers!
Achieving the Perfect Apple Filling
For the best flavor, I really love using apples like Honeycrisp or Gala because they’re naturally sweet and don’t get mushy. If you’re not a huge fan of cloves, you can totally leave them out, or add a bit more cinnamon if you love that warm spice. Taste it before you fill the pies and adjust!
Frequently Asked Questions about Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies
Got questions about these delicious Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies? I’ve got answers!
Can I make the dough for these Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! The dough actually gets even better if you make it a day or two ahead. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge. It makes assembly day so much easier!
How should I store leftover Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies?
Once they’ve cooled completely, store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about 4 days. They’re still yummy the next day!
Can I use different types of apples for these Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies?
Definitely! While I love Honeycrisp or Gala, a mix of apples is fantastic. Try using a tart apple like Granny Smith along with a sweeter one. Just make sure they’re firm apples that won’t turn to mush when baked!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pie Recipe
Sometimes a recipe calls for a specific ingredient, and you might wonder “why?” or “what if I don’t have that?” For these Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pie recipes, a couple of things are super important for that classic taste and texture. But don’t worry, there are easy swaps if you need them!
Butter and Water for Dough
Using cold butter and ice water is crucial for a flaky pie crust. It creates steam pockets as it bakes. If you forget to chill the butter, just cut it into cubes and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before using. For more baking tips, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient guides.
Sweetness and Spice Adjustments
Feel free to tweak the sugars and spices to your liking! If your apples are super sweet, you might want a little less sugar. Love cinnamon? Add a bit more! A pinch of ground ginger can also be a nice addition to the spice mix.
Serving and Storing Your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies
These little beauties are pretty versatile! They’re absolutely delicious served warm, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. But honestly, they’re also fantastic at room temperature, which makes them super convenient for parties or packing in lunches. Just let them cool down a bit first!
Serving Temperature Suggestions
Enjoy these delightful pies either warm from the oven or at room temperature. Both ways are wonderfully tasty!
Proper Storage for Leftovers
Once your Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies have completely cooled, store any extras in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about two days, or you can pop them in the fridge if you need them to last a bit longer, up to about four days. They’re still great the next day! For more storage tips, consider our easy cheesecake recipe which also includes storage advice.
Nutritional Information for Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies
So, you’re probably wondering about the deets, right? While every kitchen is a little different and apple sizes can vary, here’s a pretty good estimate for these Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies. This is just a ballpark figure per pie, of course!
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~11g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Protein: ~4g
- Fiber: ~3g
Keep in mind these numbers can change a bit depending on your exact ingredients and how generous you are with that apple filling!
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Old-Fashioned Apple Hand Pies: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these old-fashioned apple hand pies, perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 6 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out 6-inch circles. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
- Place about ¼ cup of the apple filling onto one half of each dough circle.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Cut a few slits in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.
- Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the hand pies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer crust, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.
- Allow the pies to cool completely before storing them to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: apple hand pies, old-fashioned pie, holiday dessert, fall baking, Halloween treats, Thanksgiving dessert, cinnamon apple pie