What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?

Ready-made puff pastry is ideal for creating flaky, golden crusts that complement the spiced apple filling perfectly.

Can other fruits be used instead of apples?

Yes, pears or mixed berries work well as alternatives, providing different flavor twists while maintaining the cozy texture.

Use a paper template to cut around with a sharp knife, ensuring consistent mitten shapes for a charming presentation.

Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices; adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add extra warmth and complexity.

Allow to cool slightly after baking, then serve warm—optionally with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.

Adorable, flaky hand pies shaped like mittens, filled with a cozy spiced apple mixture—perfect for winter gatherings or festive treats.

I first served this with joy to my family on a cold winter afternoon and it became an instant favorite.

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)

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.

My kids love helping me cut out the mittens and decorate each pie before baking.

Mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template, Rolling pin, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mixing bowls, Pastry brush, Fork

Contains Gluten (pastry), Egg. May contain Milk (if using icing or in pastry ingredients). Double-check pastry ingredients for hidden allergens.

Calories: 220, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 3 g per serving.

These hand pies bring warmth and festive cheer in every bite. Perfect for cozy winter moments.

→ What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?: Ready-made puff pastry is ideal for creating flaky, golden crusts that complement the spiced apple filling perfectly.
→ Can other fruits be used instead of apples?: Yes, pears or mixed berries work well as alternatives, providing different flavor twists while maintaining the cozy texture.
→ How do I shape the pies without a mitten cutter?: Use a paper template to cut around with a sharp knife, ensuring consistent mitten shapes for a charming presentation.
→ What spices enhance the apple filling?: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices; adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add extra warmth and complexity.
→ How should the pies be served for best taste?: Allow to cool slightly after baking, then serve warm—optionally with a drizzle of icing or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.