What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?

Ready-made puff pastry provides a flaky, buttery texture that complements the warm apple filling perfectly.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or mixed berries can be substituted to create different flavor variations with similar results.

You can create a paper template and carefully cut around it with a knife to achieve the mitten shape.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth; ginger or cardamom can also be added for extra spice depth.

Sprinkling pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Serve them slightly cooled, optionally drizzled with icing or accompanied by vanilla ice cream for a richer treat.

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 cozy chicken stew to my family on a cold winter evening and everyone loved it.

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.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat that brings the family together.

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

Contains Gluten (pastry) and 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

Enjoy your homemade mitten shaped hand pies fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture.

→ What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?: Ready-made puff pastry provides a flaky, buttery texture that complements the warm apple filling perfectly.
→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?: Yes, pears or mixed berries can be substituted to create different flavor variations with similar results.
→ How do I shape the hand pies into mittens without a cookie cutter?: You can create a paper template and carefully cut around it with a knife to achieve the mitten shape.
→ What spices are used in the filling for warmth?: Cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy warmth; ginger or cardamom can also be added for extra spice depth.
→ How can I decorate the hand pies for added texture?: Sprinkling pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
→ Is there a recommended way to serve these hand pies?: Serve them slightly cooled, optionally drizzled with icing or accompanied by vanilla ice cream for a richer treat.