Cozy Autumn Hand Pies with Apples and Pears

Why This Recipe Is So Tasty

These hand pies capture the warm, comforting flavors of fall in every bite. The combination of apples and pears creates a sweet and slightly tart filling that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Perfect for cozy afternoons or sharing with loved ones.

Cooking Secrets

- Use cold butter when making the dough to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t overfill the pies to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Brush the tops with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 1

Gently heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together the chopped apples and pears with brown sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.

Step 2

Whisk the egg and water together in a small bowl—that’s going to be your egg wash. Roll out your pastry on a lightly floured surface, then use a 3- to 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Spoon a little of the fruit filling onto the center of each circle, fold them in half, and press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges if you want a nice pattern.

Step 3

Place the hand pies on your prepared sheet, then cut three small slits on top of each one to let steam escape. Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle a bit of decorating sugar for some sparkle. Pop them in the oven and bake until they turn a lovely golden color, which should take about 25 minutes.

Step 4

Once they’re out, let the pies cool to room temperature—about 20 minutes. While they’re cooling, melt some chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pies for a delicious finishing touch. Enjoy!

Best Ways To Serve

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair nicely with a hot cup of spiced tea or apple cider, making them ideal for a relaxing autumn treat.

Keeping It Fresh

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the pies wrapped individually and reheat in the oven before serving to keep the crust crisp.