Mini Apple Hand Pies: Perfectly Crispy and Buttery

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are packed with a delicious cinnamon apple filling, wrapped in buttery, flaky puff pastry. With the perfect balance of sweet apples, warm spices, and a crisp golden crust, these pies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. A maple syrup glaze replaces the traditional egg wash, giving them a lovely golden color and a touch of extra sweetness. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, these hand pies are the ultimate fall treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll love these mini apple pies for their ease and versatility. The puff pastry ensures a crispy, buttery crust, while the warm apple cinnamon filling provides a comforting and sweet flavor. The maple syrup glaze adds a subtle sweetness and gives the pies a beautiful golden finish. This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, homemade treat.

Perfect Occasion:

These mini apple pies are perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving dessert tables. They’re also ideal for a cozy afternoon snack with coffee or tea. Since they’re small and portable, they make great snacks for picnics or lunchboxes, and they’re a fun project to bake with kids.

Decoration Tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle the tops of the pies with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar before baking for added sweetness and crunch. You can also drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the baked pies for an extra indulgent finish. To get creative, use small cookie cutters to create decorative shapes in the top crust.

Yield: 6 mini pies

Ingredients for Apple Filling:

• 80g peeled and chopped apple (tossed with lemon juice to prevent oxidation)
• 30g (2 tablespoons) light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 30g (2 tablespoons) butter (or non-dairy butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)

For the Dough:

• 1 sheet of store-bought puff pastry (thawed) or pie dough

Glaze:

• Maple syrup for brushing
• Turbinado or cane sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt and bubble.
   • Add the chopped apples, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the pan. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are half-cooked.
   • Add the cornstarch mixed with water and stir well. Let the mixture come to a boil, then remove from heat.
   • Transfer the filling to a heatproof container and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Assemble the Pies:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the puff pastry or pie dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Keep the dough cold during the process.
   • Use a cookie cutter to cut out 12 discs, each about 3 inches wide, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
   • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto 6 of the discs, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Brush a little milk around the edges of the filled discs. Place the remaining 6 discs on top, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
   • Cut 3 small slits on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
3. Bake the Pies:
   • Lightly brush the tops of the pies with maple syrup and sprinkle with turbinado or cane sugar.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.
4. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

These Mini Apple Hand Pies are crispy, buttery, and filled with delicious apple cinnamon goodness—perfect for fall!