Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Featured in: Sweet Memory Desserts

These mitten-shaped hand pies feature a golden flaky crust enveloping a warm, spiced apple filling. With subtle cinnamon and nutmeg notes, they're perfect for cozy winter moments or festive occasions. Ready in under an hour, the delicate pastry pairs wonderfully with an optional sugary drizzle or pearl sugar topping for added crunch and sweetness. Adaptable with pears or berries, these comforting treats bring charm and seasonal flavors to any table.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:31:00 GMT
Flaky, golden-brown mitten-shaped hand pies filled with spiced apples, a perfect winter comfort food dessert. Save to Pinterest
Flaky, golden-brown mitten-shaped hand pies filled with spiced apples, a perfect winter comfort food dessert. | recipesforevers.com

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

Ingredients

  • Pastry: 2 sheets (about 500 g) ready-made puff pastry, thawed if frozen
  • Pastry: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Apple Filling: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • Apple Filling: 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • Apple Filling: 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Apple Filling: 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Apple Filling: 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Apple Filling: 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Apple Filling: 1 tsp cornstarch
  • Decoration (Optional): Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar
  • Decoration (Optional): Icing (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk)

Instructions

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.
Warm, homemade mitten hand pies glistening with an egg wash, ready to serve with vanilla ice cream. Save to Pinterest
Warm, homemade mitten hand pies glistening with an egg wash, ready to serve with vanilla ice cream. | recipesforevers.com

Required Tools

Mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template, Rolling pin, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Mixing bowls, Pastry brush, Fork

Allergen Information

Contains: Gluten (pastry), Egg May contain: Milk (if using icing or in pastry ingredients) Double-check pastry ingredients for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220 Total Fat: 11 g Carbohydrates: 29 g Protein: 3 g

Freshly baked, adorable mitten shaped hand pies, beautifully decorated for a festive and delicious treat. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked, adorable mitten shaped hand pies, beautifully decorated for a festive and delicious treat. | recipesforevers.com

Recipe FAQs

What type of pastry works best for these hand pies?

Using ready-made puff pastry ensures a flaky and buttery crust that bakes evenly with minimal effort.

Can I substitute the apple filling with other fruits?

Yes, pears or mixed berries can be used as alternatives to apples for varied flavors and textures.

How do I prevent the hand pies from leaking during baking?

Seal the edges firmly with beaten egg wash and press with a fork to create a tight barrier.

What spices complement the apple filling?

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, with optional ginger or cardamom enhancing the cozy flavors.

Is there a way to add texture to the top of the hand pies?

Sprinkling pearl sugar or sanding sugar on the tops before baking provides a delightful crunchy finish.

Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Flaky hand pies shaped like mittens, filled with spiced apple for warm winter indulgence.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Time to Cook
22 minutes
Complete Duration
52 minutes

Recipe Type Sweet Memory Desserts

Complexity Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meatless

What You Need

Pastry

01 2 sheets (about 17.6 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed if frozen
02 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Apple Filling

01 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1 teaspoon lemon juice
07 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Decoration (Optional)

01 Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar
02 Icing (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Surface: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Make Apple Filling: Combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cut Pastry Shapes: Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template with a sharp knife, cut out 16 mitten shapes.

Step 04

Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 pastry mittens on prepared baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto center of each, leaving a border around edges.

Step 05

Seal Pies: Brush edges of each pastry with beaten egg. Top with second mitten cutout and gently press edges with a fork to seal.

Step 06

Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush tops with egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with pearl or sanding sugar for added texture.

Step 07

Create Steam Vents: Cut a small vent into the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 08

Bake Pies: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until golden and puffed.

Step 09

Cool and Decorate: Allow pies to cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle with icing for decoration.

Essential Tools

  • Mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush
  • Fork

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains gluten and egg; may contain milk if using icing or in pastry

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 220
  • Total Fat: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams