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Imagine biting into a warm, sweet apple filling wrapped in crispy dough, drizzled with a velvety cinnamon glaze—pure autumn magic in handheld form. These mini fried apple hand pies are a breeze to make, perfect for a cozy morning treat or an after-dinner indulgence. They’re wonderfully portable, kid-friendly, and full of comforting spice.
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough (2 rounds)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled if desired)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus more for topping if desired)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preparing the filling. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the apples soften and the sugar begins to caramelize, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Unroll your pie dough and cut out small circles (around 3 inches in diameter) using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass. Place a spoonful of the cooked apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Fill a small saucepan or deep skillet with about an inch of oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the hand pies into the hot oil, frying in batches for about 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
For the cinnamon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this sweet, spicy concoction over the warm pies. If you like, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for a finishing touch.
These mini hand pies are a fantastic choice for anyone craving a cozy fall dessert without too much fuss. They’re quick to assemble, fried to flaky perfection, and finished with that luscious cinnamon glaze—ideal for busy families and spontaneous sweet tooth moments. Feel free to swap in peaches or pears when apples aren’t in season, or bake them instead for a lighter option. However you choose to enjoy them, these hand pies are sure to bring comforting autumn vibes to your kitchen and warm smiles all around.
