Bite into one of these golden, flaky Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze and you’ll instantly feel the comfort of homemade baking at its finest. With a buttery crust and warm spiced apple filling, these hand pies are everything you love about classic apple pie — but in a fun, portable package. Whether you’re planning a cozy autumn afternoon treat or a festive holiday dessert platter, these mini pies deliver big flavor in a small size.

The beauty of hand pies is in their simplicity and versatility. Kids adore them, guests devour them, and they’re easy enough to make ahead and freeze for spontaneous dessert cravings. The final drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of indulgence. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining or tucking into lunchboxes for a delightful surprise.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these hand pies effortless and successful, having the right kitchen tools is key. Start with a rolling pin – essential for evenly flattening your pie dough without overworking it. You’ll also need a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter to shape the pies perfectly. For sealing the edges, a simple fork gives that iconic crimped look and keeps all that juicy filling inside.

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures even baking and easy cleanup. Use a mixing bowl to toss the apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice. A pastry brush is your secret weapon for getting that golden-brown crust by brushing on an egg wash. Finally, keep a cooling rack handy so the glaze sets just right without pooling.

When these tools come together, they help bring out the best texture and flavor in your apple hand pies – crisp edges, bubbling filling, and a beautifully set glaze.

Ingredients for the Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

Apples (peeled and diced): The star of the recipe. Choose tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of flavor and a tender filling that holds up during baking.

Brown sugar: Brings out the rich caramelized sweetness in the apple filling.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor profile we all associate with classic apple pie.
Nutmeg (optional): A pinch deepens the spice mix and adds dimension.

Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall taste.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture so it doesn’t leak out of the hand pies.
Refrigerated pie dough or homemade: Provides that flaky, buttery base and crust.

Egg (for egg wash): Gives the pies a golden, glossy finish.
Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract (for glaze): Together, they create the smooth and sweet drizzle that finishes off the pies perfectly.

How To Make the Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Let it sit while you prepare the dough. This allows the flavors to meld and the juices to thicken slightly.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to create circles about 4 inches in diameter. You’ll need two circles per hand pie.

Step 3: Fill and Seal

Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into the center of half the circles. Top each with another dough circle and press the edges together. Use a fork to crimp and seal the edges.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each with egg wash. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes or until the crusts are golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

While the pies cool on a wire rack, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm pies and let it set before serving.

How to Serve and Store Your Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

Serve these apple hand pies slightly warm for the ultimate experience – the filling is soft and fragrant, and the glaze has just set to a delicate sweetness. They’re wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a hot cup of tea or cider.

To store, let the pies cool completely. Then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed hand pies and add the glaze after reheating in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my hand pies from leaking?

Make sure the edges are well sealed by crimping them with a fork. Also, don’t overfill – a heaping tablespoon of filling is just right.

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes, but expect a lighter, flakier texture. Pie dough offers a sturdier, more traditional crust.

Do I have to cook the apples first?

Nope! As long as the apples are diced small and mixed with cornstarch, they’ll soften perfectly in the oven.

How can I make them ahead of time?

Assemble the hand pies and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes) and glaze afterward.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Granny Smith is a go-to for its tart flavor and firm texture. Honeycrisp and Pink Lady are great options for a sweeter result.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the dough with a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all ingredients (like cornstarch) are certified gluten-free.

Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these individual apple hand pies, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting creations from Life With Olivia:

Apple Enchiladas: A Sweet and Comforting Treat for a soft-baked, cinnamon-syrup twist.
Old-Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler to enjoy that warm, bubbly fruit filling in spoonfuls.

Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake if you’re craving tropical dessert vibes.
Peanut Butter Texas Sheet Cake for a nutty, Southern-style indulgence.
2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake when you want a quick fix with big payoff.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding caramel or maybe a dash of cardamom? Did you go the extra mile and make your own pie dough?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s share tips and bake better together!

Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 hand pies

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Individual Apple Hand Pies with Glaze are perfectly portioned, easy-to-make treats that combine buttery pie crust with spiced apple filling and a sweet vanilla glaze. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, lunchbox surprises, or cozy desserts any time of year.

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, nutmeg (if using), and cornstarch. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to release juices and thicken slightly.

2. Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into circles about 4 inches wide.

3. Place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling in the center of half of the dough rounds. Top with the remaining rounds and press edges to seal. Crimp edges with a fork.

4. Place pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.

5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm pies and allow to set.