Apple Hand Pies

Apple Hand Pies are everything you love about fall, in one tiny, edible package. Flaky, tender pie crust with warm and spicy apple pie filling will just make your day!
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Crisper temperatures are finally here, and with it, my desire to make apple and pumpkin everything. I feel like this is the first fall where Elle will sort of get it, and I’m excited to capitalize on that by starting our fall traditions early.
One of the recipes that’s been on my mind is pie crust, and apple pies. For years, I’ve considered myself no good at pie crust. But that didn’t really mesh with memories I have of baking pies with my Nana, of which there are plenty.

When I was a kid, we’d spend one of the first crisp fall weekends baking up pies that would see us through the season – potlucks, parties, and holiday get-togethers. My job was to help Nana roll and place the silky pie crusts into each pie pan, ready to be filled with all sorts of good stuff.
I remembered her crusts always being so soft and supple. But in the years since, my homemade experimentations have typically been neither of those things. Crumbly and fall-apart-y is what I’m saying. You too?
I really don’t want Elle to thing that pie crust only comes from a box at the grocery store’s refrigerator section, so I decided it was time to give it another whirl. I even found Nana’s well-worn recipe card that included pie crust. And her secret ingredient? Crisco.

Nana used All-Vegetable Crisco Shortening in the big tub when I was a kid, but I’ve tried both Butter Flavor and All-Vegetable Crisco Shortening and Baking Sticks with this recipe now, and I have to tell you – I love baking with the sticks! They deliver a lighter, higher textured pie crust, and are definitely now my best advice for perfect pie crust.
Elle’s a little small to tackle a wedge of apple pie all on her own, so Apple Hand Pies are the order of the day. Perfect for little hands or big hands to hold and eat during a walk through the neighborhood, kicking up leaves.
Oh, how the memories flooded back as I put together this dough. Sometimes, there’s nothing more important than reveling in everything Nana managed to pass down. Brand loyalty and all. Biting into a delectable Apple Hand Pie with perfectly flaky, everything-you-ever-want-in-a-slice-of-pie crust made my whole day.

It’s been a long while since I’ve been able to spend a day in the kitchen with my Nana. But making these little hand pies made me feel like I gave a little of that to my baby girl. Not to get all sappy or anything, but it’s true. Funny how food does that for you, isn’t it?
I plan on tackling many a pie this holiday season, because now I know the secret ingredients, to all of Nana’s pie recipes. It’s Crisco – and love.
I’ve teamed up with Crisco as part of the Crisco Scratch Academy baking school to show you how easy it is to make delicious pie crust from scratch. Find new pie recipes and other inspiration for your next baking adventure at the Crisco Heritage Kitchen.
Video filmed and edited in collaboration with Emily Caruso.
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I <3 hand pies so much, Jamie!! And the video is awesome!! Love it!
Thanks so much, Julie! I appreciate you stopping by.
-Jamie
That video, though! I love it. Hand pies are a big staple here in the south, but they’re usually fried (and oh so healthy for you at that). I can’t wait to try my hand at these. We use Crisco a lot around here. It’s always handy to keep in the cupboard.
Thanks so much, Amber! The video was a lot of work, but we’re pretty happy with the way it turned out. Happy hand pie making!
-Jamie
I do not always coment, thank you for the great recipes.
You’re so welcome, Cori! Thanks so much for visiting!
-Jamie
Everything is cuter in mini form isn’t it? These hand pies are deliciously adorable.
These hand pies look amazing! I love the apple flavor- perfect for autumn :)
I don’t use Crisco, is there something else that could be used.
Melanie-
I would recommend using a crust recipe that uses an alternative to Crisco. Thanks for stopping by.
Jamie
I know how it is to try to get that flavour of home baked goods that your grandmother made. I’m still trying to get that perfect filo pastry that my grandmother used for her strudel. I love this pies, they are a perfect Fall treat, apples and pears with cinnamon, that is my go to Fall flavour.
So tiny and cute, perfect for my toddler’s chubby hands :)
It looks delicious. I will also add raisins and cinnamon to the filling.
Crisco baking sticks are my FAVORITE!! So easy to measure out and use. And I’m dying over these cute little pies!! These are definitely going to the top of my baking list — they’d be perfect packed in the kiddo’s lunch boxes!
Who doesn’t love a good apple pie, and I bet that Crisco makes these SOOOO light and flaky! I love that I could even eat these on the go…like, for breakfast out the door! Pinned!
Hand pies are a family favorite around here! Pie crust is always a challenge and the Crisco baking sticks are on my grocery list for the holidays!
I’m pretty obsessed with the baking sticks. So much easier than the big greasy tub!
Hafta try these hand pies!
I’m a half butter, half Crisco girl for pie crust but agree it has to be in there to make a great pie crust. These look great and I love the sticks.
Hey,
Thanks for the recipe. I wonder, can I used the crust for a big apple pie?
Cheers
Naya-
Yes, the Crisco crust recipe will work great for a double crust pie. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
These look wonderful! We just can’t get enough apple desserts this time of year! I’m not really that great at making pie crusts but this one looks like something I can make!
Love the video!! These cute little pies are so perfect for snacks or dessert :)
My mom taught me to always have a tub of Crisco on hand, she’s a great pie maker. Now I need to seek out those sticks. Beautiful hand pies, Jamie!
I miss my Nana SO much! I’m sure these hand pies would meet her approval :) Love that video too! Pinned!
These are the cutest! Also totally love the video :)
These delicious pies are a delicious twist on the classic apple pie. The crust is light and flaky, and the apples offer a burst of flavor in the mouth. These taste especially great with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream.
Can I use butter instead of crisco
I haven’t tried butter in this particular recipe, but you can use any pie crust recipe that you love.
-Jamie
can you use margarine?
Hi, Izzy! You can definitely use margarine if you like. I hope you enjoy them!
These are really good! We made a double batch in honor of my daughter’s 25th birthday this past weekend. Some were rolled with thicker crusts than others just due to having several pairs of hands helping and while these took longer to bake, they were the very best. It is of note that our oven got turned up to 425 degrees to get these thicker pies fully baked. Now that we’ve got the method for the pastry rolling down, looking forward to many repeats of this fun recipe. We’ll adjust the temp up for thicker crusts and prolong cook time a tad; the smaller, thinner crusted pies are just about perfect at the 400 degree temperature called for here but I’d consider dropping 25 degrees or so if the next batch we roll is thinner crusted. This recipe is beautifully versatile and easy to work with if you know your oven. We got fairly heavy-handed while rolling dough but you roll such small crusts and can do much of it by flattening out in your palms, so it really never has a chance to start splitting! Very nice recipe, indeed.
Thank you for all the suggestions, Jodie! What a great way to enjoy baking…getting everyone involved! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Do you think these can be made the day ahead and not get soggy or dry or are they best served the day of? Also wondering if they can be served at room temp.
Hi, Jyll! They definitely can be served at room temperature. I think they could probably be make the day before, although I haven’t really tried it. I don’t think I’d refrigerate them…they may get soggy that way. Let me know how it goes!
Hi Jaime! Do you think I can make a double batch and freeze half without baking? I’d assemble the hand pies and put them in baggies in the freezer… I do this with whole apple pies but I’m wondering if it would work here.
Thanks :)
Sarah-
I have never attempted to freeze these, but I am thinking they will be just fine! Thanks for stopping by!
-Jamie
Can I fry it cause I love fried Apple pies
Sure, I think that’s a great idea!
we pick a lot of apples in the fall. I freeze crisps and pies to cook during the year. I think hand pies would be great for we empty-nesters who don’t want a whole pie. A hand pie, a scoop of ice cream ,and caramel sauce would make an attractive dessert. Thanks!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Shirley! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking!
-Jamie
can i premake the pies and store in freezer? for how long can i keep in freezer? if so, do i defrost before baking?
Hello! I haven’t attempted freezing these, so I am not sure of the result but I think they should be fine. If you happen to give it a try, I’d love to know how they turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie