Apple Cinnamon Roll Hand Pies Recipe
Delightful Apple Cinnamon Roll Hand Pies feature a warm spiced apple filling tucked inside flaky cinnamon roll dough. These handheld treats are perfect baked to a golden finish and topped with a smooth confectioners sugar glaze, offering the perfect balance of sweet and spice in every bite.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Apple Filling
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 1/2 tsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
Dough & Assembly
- 2 (12-oz.) tubes cinnamon roll dough (such as Pillsbury)
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp water (divided from 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp total)
Glaze
- 1 cup (113 g) confectioners sugar
- 1 tbsp (or more) whole milk
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar (optional)
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small pot over medium heat, combine the finely chopped apples, lemon juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, kosher salt, and 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened.
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface. Separate the cinnamon roll dough tubes and roll each piece into a thin circle about 4 inches in diameter, making a total of 16 rounds.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling onto each round. In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and remaining 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the edges of each dough round with the egg wash, then place another dough round on top to cover the filling.
- Chill and Seal: Refrigerate the assembled pies until chilled, about 15 minutes. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Use a paring knife to cut a small X on top of each pie for steam to escape. Brush the entire surface of each pie with the egg wash.
- Bake the Hand Pies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and bubbling slightly in the center. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the confectioners sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the desired texture is reached.
- Frost and Serve: Using the back of a spoon, spread the glaze over each cooled hand pie. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with demerara sugar for added texture and sweetness. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness which balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- If you prefer a smoother filling, pulse the cooked apple mixture slightly in a food processor.
- Ensure the pies are chilled before baking to help them hold their shape and prevent leaking.
- The optional demerara sugar adds a nice crunch and caramel-like flavor to the glaze topping.
- Leftover pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Keywords: apple hand pies, cinnamon roll hand pies, baked hand pies, apple cinnamon dessert, easy apple desserts