As I strolled through the local farmers’ market filled with vibrant apples, I couldn’t help but imagine the buttery Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies that would make the perfect snack for this crisp fall day. With a flaky crust and a warm spiced apple filling that melts in your mouth, these delightful pastries are not only gluten-free but also incredibly easy to whip up. They capture all the cozy flavors of autumn and are irresistible whether served warm or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility: feel free to swap in seasonal fruits like peaches or pears for a creative twist. So, are you ready to fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and enjoy a homemade treat?

Why are Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies Amazing?

Irresistible Comfort: These hand pies bring the comforting tastes of fall right to your home kitchen, blending warm apples and spices in a flaky, buttery crust.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delightful dessert that impresses family and friends.

Flexible Filling Options: While the classic apple filling is delectable, you can easily swap in fruits like peaches or pears, making these pies versatile for every season.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a gathering or a cozy night in, these hand pies are sure to please everyone and can be enjoyed warm or drizzled with caramel sauce.

Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy the perks of a gluten-free treat without compromising on flavor or texture, making them suitable for a wider audience!

Try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that truly shines. For a twist, check out these other recipes: White Cheddar Apple for savory warmth or Wisconsin Apple Kringle for another stunning apple treat!

Gluten Free Apple Hand Pie Ingredients

For the Dough

Gluten Free Multi-Purpose Flour – This is the main structure of the dough; opt for a blend like Cup4Cup or Schär Mix C Patisserie for best results.
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a flaky texture; ensure it’s cold for optimal dough development.
Full-Fat Sour Cream – Adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, replacing the need for ice water.
Baking Powder – Helps the crust become tender and light, giving it that perfect flaky texture.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; remember to adjust if using a different salt brand.

For the Filling

Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – The primary filling; use tart varieties for a delightful balance of sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (for filling) – Adds richness to the apple mixture for a more luxurious flavor.
Domino® Light Brown Sugar – Introduces sweetness and caramel notes to the filling.
Domino® Golden Sugar – The secret ingredient for the filling, which offers a hint of molasses for depth.
Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling for a better texture and prevents it from being too runny.
Spices (Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg) – Bring warm flavors to the filling; feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors of the filling, making it even more aromatic and delicious.

For Assembly

Egg (for egg wash) – Gives the hand pies a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
Milk/Water (for egg wash) – Mix with the egg to create a perfect wash for better browning.

These Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies are not just a treat; they are a delightful experience you can share with family and friends!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a food processor, combine 2 cups of gluten-free multi-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Pulse until mixed, then add ½ cup of cold unsalted butter, cutting it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ½ cup of full-fat sour cream and pulse until just combined, with the dough forming small, pea-sized clumps.

Step 2: Shape & Chill Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gather it into a rectangle. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm it up, allowing for easier rolling later. This critical step prevents the butter from melting before baking, which ensures a flaky texture in your Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies.

Step 3: Laminate Dough
After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter, and rotate it 90 degrees. Roll it out again and repeat the folding process two more times; this creates layers for a flaky crust. Once complete, wrap again and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the layers settle.

Step 4: Make Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and add 4 cups of diced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness). Sauté until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in ½ cup of Domino® light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Domino® golden sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and your choice of spices (cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg). Cook until thickened, then let the mixture cool completely.

Step 5: Cut Dough Circles
Roll out half of the chilled dough on a floured surface until about ⅛-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed to use all dough. Repeat with the second half, ensuring you have an equal number of bottom and top pieces for the Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies.

Step 6: Fill & Seal Pies
On half of the dough circles, place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling, careful not to overfill. Cover each filled circle with another dough circle and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork. This step is crucial for keeping the filling inside while baking. Refrigerate the assembled pies for 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape.

Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chilled hand pies on it. Using a sharp knife, cut a few slits in the top of each pie for steam release. Brush the tops with the egg wash made from 1 egg mixed with a tablespoon of milk or water, and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 365°F (185°C) for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

What to Serve with Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies

These delightful pastries bring the warmth of autumn to your table, inviting you to create a full meal experience.

Warm Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, rich flavor of vanilla ice cream enhances the spiced apple filling, making each bite a hug in dessert form.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzled over the hand pies, this sweet addition contrasts beautifully with the tart apples, creating an indulgent treat.
Chai Spice Tea: The warm spices of chai perfectly complement the flavors of the hand pies, weaving together a cozy autumn atmosphere.
Crunchy Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with bittersweet greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich sweetness of the pies, keeping your meal perfectly harmonious.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve a steaming cup of spiced apple cider alongside to echo the apple theme, elevating your autumn dining experience.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy, savory soup provides a comforting contrast to the sweet hand pies, bringing a delightful mouthfeel to the meal.
Pecan Pie Bars: For a dessert duo, pair these hand pies with sweet, nutty pecan pie bars, offering varying textures and flavors that mesh beautifully.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and bright, a simple sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal, cleansing the palate between bites.

Embrace the season and indulge in these pairings for a memorable experience!

How to Store and Freeze Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies

Room Temperature: Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Fridge: For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the hand pies for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re wrapped well to maintain their texture.

Freezer: Unbaked gluten free apple hand pies can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. To bake, remove from the freezer and bake directly from frozen—no need to thaw!

Reheating: To enjoy leftover baked hand pies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

Expert Tips for Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensuring your butter and sour cream are cold is essential for achieving that flaky, tender crust.

• Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to load up on the delicious apple filling, but overfilling can cause dough to split or leak; stick to 1-2 tablespoons per pie.

• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the filled hand pies for 30 minutes helps maintain their shape and reduces the risk of leaking during baking.

• Roll Evenly: Aim for an even thickness when rolling out the dough to ensure uniform baking. Too thick will be undercooked, while too thin may burn.

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes transferring your Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies to plates a breeze!

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Additionally, the apple filling can be made 3 days ahead; just ensure it’s completely cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and prevent browning. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, fill and seal the pies, and let them chill for 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed for delicious hand pies that taste freshly made!

Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies: Delicious Twists Await!

Feel free to get creative with your pie fillings and make this recipe your own with delightful twists!

Fruit Swap: Replace apples with peaches, blueberries, or pears to fit the season; each fruit brings a unique flavor.
Citrus Zing: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple filling for a refreshing brightness that enhances all the flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added layer of texture and rich, nutty flavor in each bite.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the spice mix for a surprising spicy note that contrasts with the sweetness.
Brown Sugar Boost: Substitute all the sugar with domestically sourced organic brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness, honoring autumn’s flavors.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy yogurt in place of sour cream to keep this dessert suitable for dairy-free diets.
Gluten-Free Variations: Experiment with almond flour or oat flour for an alternative gluten-free base that gives a distinct flavor and texture.
Caramelish Delight: Mix a tablespoon of caramel sauce into the apple filling for a sweet caramel twist that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

These delightful variations invite you to explore the comforting flavors of fall. And if you’re a fan of apples, consider trying out a delicious Wisconsin Apple Kringle or finish your meal with some cozy Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps. Enjoy baking, and let your creativity shine!

Gluten Free Apple Hand Pies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe apples for the filling?
Absolutely! When selecting apples, look for firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Ripe apples should be free of dark spots or blemishes and feel slightly heavy for their size. If possible, try to smell them—fresh apples should have a fragrant aroma.

How should I store leftover gluten free apple hand pies?
For the best flavor, store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out!

Can I freeze gluten free apple hand pies?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked gluten free apple hand pies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake them directly from frozen—there’s no need to thaw!

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Very! If your dough turns out crumbly, this may be due to insufficient moisture. Gradually add small amounts of cold water or extra sour cream, just a teaspoon at a time, and mix gently until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overwork it; you still want that flaky texture!

Are gluten free apple hand pies safe for individuals with nut allergies?
Absolutely! This recipe is nut-free unless you choose to incorporate nut-based flour or ingredients. Always check your specific flour blend to ensure it doesn’t contain any traces of nuts if you’re catering to nut allergies.

How can I prevent my pies from leaking during baking?
To avoid leaks, it’s essential to seal the edges of your pies thoroughly. Press down firmly with a fork along the edges, and refrigerate the filled hand pies for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and creates a barrier that keeps the filling secured inside.