Name: Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 package pie crust (2 rounds); 1 egg; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple pie just got a mini makeover, and it’s one your dessert table will thank you for. These Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are everything you love about classic apple pie wrapped up in a tender, flaky pocket that fits in your hand. They’re warm, buttery, cinnamon-sweet, and finished with a drizzle of vanilla glaze that sets into a beautiful, crinkly sheen.

Perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in, these pies are endlessly versatile and incredibly easy to make. Whether you opt for store-bought crust or a homemade pastry, the real magic happens in the spiced apple filling. It’s the kind of bite that feels like fall, no matter the season.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Hand Pie

These apple hand pies are the kind of treat that feel bakery-fancy with none of the stress. You get all the nostalgia of grandma’s apple pie with a modern-day convenience twist. They bake quickly, store beautifully, and are easy to pack in lunchboxes or stack on a brunch tray. The glaze hardens just right, so they’re not messy to eat either.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

The best apple for hand pies is one that holds its shape while baking. Granny Smiths are always a favorite because of their tart bite and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn are wonderful if you prefer a bit more sweetness. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which tend to get mushy in the oven.

Ingredients for the Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

These hand pies come together with just a handful of everyday ingredients. While you can get creative with the filling spices or use pre-made pie dough, each element here plays a role in making the pies flavorful and perfectly textured.

Apples: The heart of the recipe, apples provide the sweet-tart bite that balances the buttery crust.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth, bringing out the natural flavor of the apples.
Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy, nostalgic flavor we all expect in apple pie.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives the filling a subtle, earthy richness.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding a hint of acidity.
Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it doesn’t leak out of the pastry.
Pie crust: Whether store-bought or homemade, the crust is your flaky vessel for all that delicious filling.
Egg: For brushing the tops and giving the pies that golden finish.
Powdered sugar: The base for the sweet glaze.
Milk: Helps thin out the glaze to the perfect drizzle consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds a soft aroma to the glaze that complements the apple filling.

How To Make the Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

Roll out your pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or small bowl to cut out circles. You’ll need an even number so each pie has a top and bottom.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling on half of the dough circles. Top with the remaining circles and press the edges with a fork to seal. Make a small slit on the top for venting. Brush with beaten egg.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before glazing.

Step 5: Glaze and Let Set

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pies and let it set for 10-15 minutes until firm.

How to Serve and Store Individual Apple Hand Pies

These hand pies are perfect warm out of the oven, but they’re just as delightful at room temperature. Each batch makes about 8 to 10 hand pies, depending on your cutter size. Serve them on a platter with coffee or pack them as an afternoon snack. They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (unglazed) and warm them in the oven before adding glaze.

What to Serve With Individual Apple Hand Pies?

Coffee or Spiced Tea

The warm spices in these pies pair beautifully with a cozy cup of chai or your morning coffee.

Vanilla Ice Cream

If you’re serving them warm, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes the perfect contrast.

Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for a simple yet elegant finish.

Caramel Drizzle

Take things to the next level with a quick caramel sauce drizzled over the glazed top.

Hot Apple Cider

This combination doubles down on apple flavor and brings serious fall vibes.

Cheddar Cheese

It may sound strange, but a slice of sharp cheddar on the side is a classic New England pairing.

Fruit Salad

A light and fresh fruit salad balances the richness of the pies, especially at brunch.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If these apple hand pies made your day sweeter, here are more cozy bakes you’ll enjoy:

Baby Lemon Impossible Pies are bite-sized sunshine with a creamy citrus center.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake brings melt-in-your-mouth magic to your dessert tray.
Classic French Butter Cookies offer rich, crumbly texture in every bite.
Lemon Truffles Recipe deliver zesty creaminess in one indulgent nibble.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use tart Granny Smiths or go sweet with Honeycrisp? Did you add a caramel twist or keep it classic?

I love seeing your takes on these desserts. Ask questions too—we’re all here to make every bake better.

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