A Flaky, Portable, All-American Treat!
Nothing says classic Americana like a warm, golden hand pie! These flaky, handheld pastries are filled with sweet fruit, creamy custard, or even savory fillings, making them a versatile treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
I love this recipe because it’s easy to customize, perfect for on-the-go snacking, and a nostalgic comfort food. Whether you fill them with apple, cherry, blueberry, or even gooey chocolate, these homemade hand pies will rival any store-bought version!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What’s the best dough for hand pies?
A buttery pie crust or flaky puff pastry works best for a traditional hand pie. If you want a softer texture, biscuit dough is a great alternative!
Q: Can I use canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Canned fruit pie fillings work well, but homemade filling always tastes better.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
Q: Can I freeze hand pies?
Yes! Assemble the pies and freeze before baking or frying. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Q: What are some good savory hand pie fillings?
Try chicken pot pie filling, ground beef and cheese, spinach and feta, or bacon and eggs for a delicious savory twist!
What You Need to Make American-Style Hand Pies
For the Pie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling (Choose One or More):
- 1 ½ cups apple pie filling (chopped small)
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling
- 1 ½ cups blueberry pie filling
- 1 ½ cups chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 ½ cups savory filling (chicken, cheese, or vegetables)
For Assembling & Frying/Baking:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
- Vegetable oil (if frying)
How to Make American-Style Hand Pies
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into 3-4 inch circles or rectangles using a cutter or knife.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece.
- Brush edges with water or egg wash, then fold over and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Cook the Hand Pies
Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
Fried Method:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pies for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Hand Pies
✔ Use cold butter – This creates the flakiest crust.
✔ Don’t overfill – Too much filling will cause leaks.
✔ Seal the edges well – Use a fork or press firmly to prevent bursting.
✔ For extra crispiness – Sprinkle sugar on top before baking.
✔ Try different fillings – Sweet or savory, anything goes!
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “Made the apple ones, and they were amazing! The crust was so flaky!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Baked them instead of frying, and they turned out perfect! Will try a savory version next.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “My kids loved these! We filled them with Nutella and banana—so good!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I fried them, and they reminded me of fairground food. Delicious!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Such an easy recipe, and they look so fancy. Perfect for brunch!”
Printable Recipe
American Style Hand Pies
These American-Style Hand Pies feature a flaky, golden crust and a sweet or savory filling, perfect for on-the-go snacking or desserts!
Ingredients
- For the Pie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling (Choose One or More):
- 1 ½ cups apple pie filling (chopped small)
- 1 ½ cups cherry pie filling
- 1 ½ cups blueberry pie filling
- 1 ½ cups chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 ½ cups savory filling (chicken, cheese, or vegetables)
- For Assembling & Frying/Baking:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for dusting)
- Vegetable oil (if frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Slowly add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into 3-4 inch circles or rectangles using a cutter or knife.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each piece.
- Brush edges with water or egg wash, then fold over and crimp with a fork to seal.
Step 4: Cook the Hand Pies
Baked Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush pies with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown.
Fried Method:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pies for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
- Drain on paper towels and dust with sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool slightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these American-Style Hand Pies, don’t keep them to yourself! Share them on social media, pin them on Pinterest, or send them to a friend who loves nostalgic homemade treats. Homemade pies always taste better when shared! Tag me if you try them!
