Fried Apple Hand Pies are a beloved classic dessert made with tender cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in golden, flaky pastry and dusted with powdered sugar. These handheld treats are crispy on the outside, soft and fruity on the inside, and perfect for fall, holidays, or whenever you crave a nostalgic, cozy sweet bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These hand pies are the ultimate comfort dessert—portable, indulgent, and made completely from scratch. The homemade dough turns out wonderfully crisp and buttery when fried, while the apple filling is sweet, spiced, and perfectly tender. They’re great for sharing, easy to customize, and bring back the charm of traditional Southern baking.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
directions
- Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. - Shape the Hand Pies:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Place a tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with a fork to seal. - Fry the Pies:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pies in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels. - Dust and Serve:
Once slightly cooled, dust the hand pies with powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 hand pies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per hand pie
Variations
- Apple Variety: Use Granny Smith for a tart filling, or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
- Baked Option: For a lighter version, bake the hand pies at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Caramel Apple: Add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the filling for a caramel apple twist.
- Spiced Glaze: Instead of powdered sugar, drizzle with a cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon.
- Mini Pies: Use a smaller cutter to make bite-sized versions, perfect for parties or dessert platters.
storage/reheating
Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before using.
What type of apples are best?
A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offers great balance.
Can I freeze the hand pies?
Yes, freeze the assembled (unfried or unbaked) hand pies on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Why is my dough not holding together?
Make sure your butter is cold and don’t overwork the dough. Add ice water gradually until it just comes together.
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes, for convenience you can use pre-made pie crust, but homemade dough offers better flavor and texture.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Seal the edges well with a fork and avoid overfilling the dough circles.
Can I bake and fry in the same batch?
Yes, bake some for a lighter option and fry others for a classic crispy version.
Do I have to peel the apples?
It’s recommended for the smoothest texture, but you can leave the skins on if preferred.
What can I serve these with?
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elevated dessert.
Conclusion
Fried Apple Hand Pies are a timeless, cozy treat that blends sweet apple filling with crispy, golden pastry. With their simple ingredients and rustic charm, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, Sunday desserts, or anytime you want a homemade pastry that delivers comfort and joy. Whether you enjoy them warm or chilled, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Print
Fried Apple Hand Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 hand pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fried apple hand pies feature tender apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, wrapped in a golden, flaky crust and dusted with powdered sugar. A comforting, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving sweet apple goodness!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup cold butter, diced
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1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
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4 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Frying and Finishing:
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
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Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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Cook the Filling: In a saucepan, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until apples are soft. Let cool.
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Roll and Fill: Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Add 1 tbsp filling to center, fold over, and seal edges with a fork.
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Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry pies in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.
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Dust and Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Notes
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Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
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These can be baked instead of fried for a lighter version.
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Add a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
