Save Adorable, flaky hand pies shaped like mittens, filled with a cozy spiced apple mixture—perfect for winter gatherings or festive treats.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 22 minutes Total Time: 52 minutes Category: Dessert Difficulty: Medium Cuisine: American Yield: 8 hand pies Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-made puff pastry, thawed if frozen, 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cornstarch
- Decoration (Optional): Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar, Icing (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch Set aside
- Step 3:
- Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter (or a paper template and sharp knife), cut out 16 mitten shapes
- Step 4:
- Place 8 mitten shapes on the prepared baking sheet Spoon a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a border around the edges
- Step 5:
- Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg Top each with a second mitten pastry cutout Gently press the edges with a fork to seal
- Step 6:
- Brush the tops with egg wash If desired, sprinkle with pearl sugar or sanding sugar for crunch
- Step 7:
- Use a knife to cut a small vent in the top of each pie
- Step 8:
- Bake for 20 22 minutes, until golden and puffed
- Step 9:
- Let cool slightly If desired, drizzle with icing for decoration
Save Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat If you dont have a mitten cutter, use a template and cut around it with a sharp knife
Required Tools
Mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template Rolling pin Baking sheet Parchment paper Mixing bowls Pastry brush Fork
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (pastry), Egg May contain Milk (if using icing or in pastry ingredients) Double-check pastry ingredients for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 29 g Protein: 3 g
Save This recipe brings a warm festive touch to any winter gathering and is sure to delight both kids and adults alike
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?
Ready-made puff pastry works best to achieve a flaky and golden crust, adding lightness and texture to the pies.
- → Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?
Yes, pears or mixed berries can be used as alternatives to apples, bringing different flavors while retaining the cozy feel.
- → How do I prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy?
Tossing the fruit with cornstarch and sugars helps thicken the filling as it bakes, keeping the pastry crisp.
- → Is there a way to decorate the hand pies?
Sprinkling pearl or sanding sugar before baking adds a crunchy texture, and a drizzle of icing after cooling enhances their festive look.
- → What is the purpose of cutting vents on the pies?
Small vents allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the pies from becoming soggy or bursting.
- → Can these hand pies be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate before baking. Bake fresh when ready to enjoy the best texture.