What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and balance sweetness with tartness.

Can I substitute the spices in the filling?

Yes, ground ginger or cardamom can be added for extra warmth and complexity in place of or alongside cinnamon and nutmeg.

Absolutely, ready-made puff pastry helps achieve flaky layers quickly and is ideal for shaping the mittens.

Use cornstarch in the filling to thicken juices, and seal edges firmly to keep moisture contained during baking.

Sprinkle pearl or coarse sanding sugar before baking for crunch, and optionally drizzle a simple icing glaze after cooling for added sweetness.

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

I first made these mitten shaped hand pies last winter and they quickly became a family favorite at holiday parties.

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.

These hand pies always bring smiles to my family's faces during chilly winter evenings spent together by the fire.

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

Enjoy these charming mitten hand pies fresh from the oven for a perfect winter dessert treat.

→ What type of apples work best for the filling?: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and balance sweetness with tartness.
→ Can I substitute the spices in the filling?: Yes, ground ginger or cardamom can be added for extra warmth and complexity in place of or alongside cinnamon and nutmeg.
→ Is store-bought puff pastry suitable for this dish?: Absolutely, ready-made puff pastry helps achieve flaky layers quickly and is ideal for shaping the mittens.
→ How do I prevent the pies from becoming soggy?: Use cornstarch in the filling to thicken juices, and seal edges firmly to keep moisture contained during baking.
→ What is the best way to decorate the hand pies?: Sprinkle pearl or coarse sanding sugar before baking for crunch, and optionally drizzle a simple icing glaze after cooling for added sweetness.