Easy Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies have that old-school vibe that never fades.
The crust is made from scratch and the filling is apples simmered with cinnamon until they’re soft and thick.
Each pie gets fried until golden and crisp, with a warm apple center that feels like classic pie in snack form.
They’re small, portable, and way less work than baking a whole pie. Whether you’re making dessert for the fam or just want a sweet bite to share, these hand pies hit the spot.
With cinnamon, apples, and a flaky crust, it’s everything you like about apple pie, only easier to grab and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients
Made with basic pantry staples like flour, shortening, apples, sugar, and cinnamon.
Classic Flavor
The combination of apples and cinnamon brings that familiar homemade pie taste in every bite.
Easy to Share
Hand pies are portable and mess-free, making them great for serving at home or on the go.
Comfort Food
Golden fried pastry with warm apple filling makes a cozy dessert for any time of year.
Tips and Tricks
Rolling the Dough
Keep your surface floured lightly to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
Frying in Batches
Cook only a few pies at a time so the oil temperature stays steady.
Cooling the Filling
Allow the apple filling to cool completely before sealing in the pastry to avoid leaks.
Ingredient Substitutions
Shortening
Use butter for a richer flavor, though the crust will be slightly less crisp.
Apples
Any firm variety works well. Granny Smith gives a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Easy Cinnamon Apple Hand Pies
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shortening chilled
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup cold water
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 apples
- ¼ cup sugar or to taste
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon or to taste
- oil for frying
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift flour and salt.
- Cut chilled shortening into the flour with a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Peel and dice the apples, then place them in a saucepan.
- In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the apples and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low heat until apples are soft.
- Mash the apples with a fork until thick like applesauce. Set aside to cool.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut out 4-inch circles with a cookie cutter.
- Place 1 heaping tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each circle.
- Moisten edges with cold water, fold in half, and press edges with a fork to seal.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F.
- Fry pies in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain before serving.
Notes
Rolling the Dough
Keep your surface floured lightly to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.Frying in Batches
Cook only a few pies at a time so the oil temperature stays steady.Cooling the Filling
Allow the apple filling to cool completely before sealing in the pastry to avoid leaks.Ingredient Substitutions
Shortening: Use butter for a richer flavor, though the crust will be slightly less crisp. Apples: Any firm variety works well. Granny Smith gives a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Nutrition
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