Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Featured in: Weekend Warm-Table Favorites

These hand pies feature flaky puff pastry shaped like mittens, filled with a warm spiced apple mixture. Combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon, the filling provides a comforting balance of sweetness and spice. The pies are sealed with an egg wash and baked until golden and puffed, with optional pearl sugar or icing for added texture and sweetness. Ideal for festive winter treats, these hand pies bring warmth and charm to any gathering. Variations include substituting pears or berries, and adding warming spices like ginger or cardamom. Serve slightly warm for best flavor.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:59:00 GMT
Flaky, golden-brown mitten-shaped hand pies, filled with spiced apples, a perfect winter dessert. Save
Flaky, golden-brown mitten-shaped hand pies, filled with spiced apples, a perfect winter dessert. | saffronharbor.com

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

I first made these mitten shaped hand pies last winter and the whole family couldn't get enough of them

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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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.
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
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Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Warm, inviting image of freshly baked mitten hand pies, ready to enjoy with a sweet apple filling. Save
Warm, inviting image of freshly baked mitten hand pies, ready to enjoy with a sweet apple filling. | saffronharbor.com

These pies became a holiday tradition in my family and we enjoy making them together every year

Required Tools

Mitten-shaped cookie cutter or template, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, pastry brush, fork

Allergen Information

Contains gluten in the pastry and egg. May contain milk if using icing or certain pastry ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving calories 220, total fat 11 g, carbohydrates 29 g, protein 3 g

Close-up shot: a delightful plate of festive mitten shaped hand pies, perfect for sharing this holiday season. Save
Close-up shot: a delightful plate of festive mitten shaped hand pies, perfect for sharing this holiday season. | saffronharbor.com
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Enjoy these cozy mitten hand pies warm for the best flavor and texture

Common Recipe Questions

What pastry is best for these hand pies?

Ready-made puff pastry works best, as it creates a flaky, golden crust that complements the spiced apple filling.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes, pears or mixed berries are great alternatives that pair well with the spices used in the filling.

How do I seal the hand pies without leaking filling?

Brush the edges with beaten egg and press firmly with a fork to create a tight seal before baking.

Is there a way to add extra warmth to the filling?

Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can enhance the spiced flavor and add warmth.

What is the purpose of the small vent cut on top?

The vent allows steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess and keeping the crust crisp.

Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Flaky pastries with cozy spiced apple filling, shaped like mittens and perfect for winter gatherings.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Time to Cook
22 minutes
Overall Time
52 minutes
Recipe by Avery Watson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll 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 small amount of milk)

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Apple Filling: Combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Hand Pies: Arrange 8 mitten pastry shapes on the lined baking sheet. Spoon approximately one heaping tablespoon of apple filling into the center of each, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Vent Pies: Use a knife to make a small vent slit on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 08

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until the pastries are golden and puffed.

Step 09

Cool and Decorate: Allow pies to cool slightly before optionally drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar and milk.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Check all components for allergens, and connect with a healthcare pro if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten and eggs; may contain milk if icing or certain pastry ingredients are used.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This info is just a guide and shouldn't replace a doctor's input.
  • Calories Count: 220
  • Fat content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 3 g