Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

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Golden, flaky, and sweet, these Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are everything you crave in a homemade dessert. With tender apple filling nestled in buttery crust and topped with a simple vanilla glaze, each hand pie is like a personal slice of comfort. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a cozy treat on a cold afternoon, these hand pies deliver warm, spiced apple goodness in every bite.

These little pies offer the charm of a classic apple pie but in a fun, portable form. The rich cinnamon-apple filling is encased in golden, crispy pastry and finished with a luscious drizzle that adds just the right touch of sweetness. They’re easier than you think to make and taste even better than they look — no forks or plates required!

Why You’ll Love This Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

• Personal-sized treats that are perfect for any occasion
• A great way to use up extra apples
• Flaky, golden pastry with a sweet and tangy apple filling
• Simple ingredients and no need for fancy tools
• Perfect for fall, holidays, or a cozy afternoon snack

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these hand pies, you’ll need a few essential tools: a rolling pin to evenly flatten your pie dough, round cookie cutters (or a glass) to shape the pies, and a fork for sealing the edges. A baking sheet and parchment paper ensure even baking without sticking. Don’t forget a pastry brush for that beautiful golden egg wash, and a small saucepan to soften the apples before filling. These tools help create uniform, bakery-style results and make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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Preparation Tips

Use cold butter and keep your dough chilled until rolling; this ensures a flaky crust. Dice the apples uniformly so they cook evenly and retain a bit of bite. Simmering the apples briefly with cinnamon and sugar deepens the flavor and prevents excess moisture. Let the hand pies cool slightly before glazing so the icing sets perfectly on top. Lastly, don’t overfill them — a little filling goes a long way and helps avoid leaks during baking.

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Ingredients for this Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 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, for thickening)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk (to mix with egg for wash)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Add in cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften slightly. If needed, stir in cornstarch to thicken. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

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Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one chilled dough disc on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3.5- to 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Repeat with second dough disc, collecting and re-rolling scraps as needed. You should end up with 12–14 circles.

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Step 4: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place half the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of cooled apple filling into the center of each. Top with remaining circles. Use a fork to press and seal the edges. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.

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Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the tops of the hand pies with egg wash. Bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before glazing.

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Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed) until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled hand pies. Let glaze set before serving.

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Notes

You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the apple filling. If you want a more rustic texture, leave the apple peels on.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the pies can lead to leaks and soggy crusts. Stick to a heaping tablespoon of filling per pie.
• Skipping the cooling time before glazing will cause the icing to melt and slide off.
• Not sealing the edges properly may result in filling spilling out during baking. Be sure to crimp all the way around with a fork.
• Underbaking can leave the crust doughy; look for a deep golden brown before removing from the oven.

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Storage Instructions

Store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed pies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, then glaze before serving if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per hand pie (approximate):
Calories: 310
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the filling is cool before assembling, and don’t overfill the pies. A slit on top also helps vent steam.

Can I use store-bought pie dough?

Absolutely! While homemade dough tastes amazing, pre-made dough is a great time-saver.

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Can I make these hand pies gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or a store-bought version.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Yes, you can enjoy them plain or dust with powdered sugar instead. The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness.

Can I make a large batch and freeze them?

Definitely. Assemble and freeze unbaked pies. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the bake time.

How do I reheat leftover pies?

Warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crust texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of raisins can add extra flavor and texture to the filling.

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Conclusion

Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie — easy to make, fun to eat, and full of cozy flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday spread or just a weekend treat, these hand pies are sure to impress. Enjoy the balance of buttery crust, warm spiced apples, and sweet glaze in every handheld bite.

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