Poisoned Apple Hand Pies Recipe
Introduction
These Poisoned Apple Hand Pies are a fun and festive treat perfect for spooky occasions or just a cozy snack. Crispy golden pastry filled with warm, spiced apples makes every bite delightful. Plus, the creative “poison” decoration adds a playful twist.

Ingredients
- 1 large apple (peeled and finely diced)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 rolls pie dough
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- green or black food coloring
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Roll out the pie dough. Using a large cookie cutter, cut each roll into 6 rounds.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Step 4: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into the center of half of the dough rounds. Top each with a remaining dough round and crimp the edges closed using a fork. Poke a few small holes on top of each pie.
- Step 5: Brush the tops of the hand pies with the lightly beaten egg to help them brown.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the pies to cool completely.
- Step 8: Use green or black food coloring to draw skulls, crossbones, or other “poison” symbols on top. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the designs for added effect.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense apple flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or add a splash of lemon juice to the filling.
- Try mixing in a handful of raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture inside the pies.
- If you don’t have a large cookie cutter, use a drinking glass or cut freehand squares instead.
- To make the pies ahead, assemble and freeze them on the baking sheet, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage
Store the cooled hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie dough for these hand pies?
Absolutely! Homemade pie dough works great and can add extra flakiness and flavor to your hand pies.
How do I prevent the filling from making the crust soggy?
Make sure to dice the apples finely and avoid adding extra liquid. Also, sealing the edges well and baking at a high temperature helps the crust stay crisp.
PrintPoisoned Apple Hand Pies Recipe
These Poisoned Apple Hand Pies are a spooky and delicious treat perfect for Halloween or themed parties. With a cinnamon-spiced apple filling encased in flaky pie dough and decorated with eerie food coloring designs, they combine classic flavors with a fun, festive twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 large apple, peeled and finely diced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
Dough
- 2 rolls pie dough
Finishing
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- green or black food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the hand pies.
- Prepare Dough Rounds: Roll out the pie dough and use a large cookie cutter to cut each roll into 6 rounds, resulting in approximately 12 rounds total.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apple with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss them together to evenly coat the apple pieces with the spices and sugar.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into the center of half of the dough rounds. Cover each filled round with a plain dough round and use a fork to crimp the edges securely closed. Poke a few holes in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the lightly beaten egg over the surface of each hand pie to help them achieve a golden brown finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to set the filling and make them easier to handle.
- Decorate: Using green or black food coloring, draw skulls, crossbones, or other “poison” symbols on the top of each hand pie. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the food coloring for an added sparkle and texture.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart filling.
- Allow pies to cool completely before decorating to prevent food coloring from bleeding.
- Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pie dough with a gluten-free pastry dough.
- Decorations can be customized with other colors or edible markers for creative variation.
Keywords: apple hand pies, poisoned apple pies, Halloween dessert, apple cinnamon pastry, hand pies recipe