These Homemade Baked Apple Hand Pies are a little hand-held version of the favorite classic apple pie.

As soon as the temperature teases us with 70 degrees or below for any length of time, and the slightest tinge of color change in the leaves begins to show, it means fall is coming. Woo hoo! And that means that favorite autumnal dessert, Apple Pie, should start making regular appearances at gatherings everywhere. Regardless of what season it is, it’s hard to pass up a warm slice of homemade Apple Pie or an individual homemade apple turnover, aka a hand pie.

These Baked Apple Hand Pies, are the perfect twist on the full-sized classic. They are a portable version worthy of a seat on any hay ride or at any tailgating party. And you know what? These individual treats are easy as … well, you know, pie! Really. They are. And since they are baked and not fried, as with some hand pies, you don’t have a big mess to clean up afterwards either. Yay for less of a mess!

If wanting to prep ahead of time, the pie dough for these Baked Apple Hand Pies can be portioned out, then rolled into balls, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and refrigerated a day ahead. The apples can also be sliced and cooked then covered and refrigerated until ready to fill the individual pies. When ready to bake the pies, proceed with the recipe by rolling out each dough ball, portioning out the chilled apple filling, and sealing the pies.

So whether you’re cheering on your favorite football team, or headed out on a hay ride with your closest kin, whip up a batch of these delicious Apple Hand Pies, and pack them up while they are still warm right out of the oven to take along. They will double as hand warmers and sweet tooth satisfiers. They will be a multi-tasking treat that is hard to beat!

More delicious apple recipes you’ll enjoy:

• Toffee Caramel Apple Dip Recipe 
• Apple Pie Recipe
• Apple Crisp Recipe

Homemade Baked Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Homemade Baked Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

These easy homemade baked Apple Hand Pies are the perfect portable version of the favorite full-sized classic apple pie.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound pie dough
• 1 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1  1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Divide pie dough into 6 pieces; roll each into a ball. Cover and chill until while filling is prepared.
2. To make filling, peel and core apples; slice thin, then cut slices in half. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Whisk salt, brown sugar, cinnamon and ginger. Add apples and stir to coat. Cook at a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until apples have softened. Set aside and allow to cool.
3. When apple filling has cooled, arrange oven racks in order to bake in the bottom level. Preheat oven to 400-degrees F and line a large baking sheet with baking parchment.
4. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a circle about 5-inches in diameter. Place equal amounts of apple filling in center of each dough circle (about 1/4 cup per circle). Fold dough over filling. Use a fork to crimp edges together to seal hand pie. Place hand pies onto parchment lined baking sheet.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush tops of each hand pie with egg mixture; sprinkle tops evenly with granulated sugar. Cut a small “x” in the top of each pie to vent.
6. Bake at 400-degrees F for 15 minutes, then lower oven temperature to 350-degrees F and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Originally published October 14, 2016.