Cozy Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Cozy Autumn Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies Recipe for Sweet Bites

Crisp autumn days call for warm, golden hand pies bursting with chai spice apple goodness that dance across your taste buds.

Sweet orchard apples mingle with aromatic chai spices, creating a pocket-sized dessert that promises comfort in every bite.

These handheld treats blend traditional baking techniques with unexpected flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Buttery, flaky pastry wraps around tender spiced apple filling, making each pie a compact bundle of pure deliciousness.

The warming blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary snack or dessert.

Compact and portable, these hand pies offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible chai-spiced apple hand pies that’ll become your new autumn obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients List for Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies

For The Dough:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for a flaky, tender crust that cradles the spiced apple goodness.
  • Coconut Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic impact than traditional sugar.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates those coveted layers of flakiness and delivers rich, creamy flavor.
For The Filling:
  • Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a bright, zingy base.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting notes that dance with the apples' natural sweetness.
  • Cardamom: Introduces an exotic, slightly herbal essence that elevates the chai spice profile.
  • Ginger: Adds a spicy, zingy kick that brightens the entire filling.
  • Cloves: Contributes a deep, intense warmth with its robust and slightly numbing character.
  • Black Pepper: Provides an unexpected subtle heat that complements the sweet spices.
  • Vanilla: Rounds out the flavors with its smooth, aromatic complexity.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet spices.
For The Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, glossy exterior that makes the hand pies irresistibly appealing.
  • Powdered Sugar: Forms a silky, sweet glaze that adds a final touch of elegance.
  • Vanilla Extract: Reinforces the filling's aromatic depth in the glaze.

Equipment to Craft Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies

  • Blender or Food Processor: Key tool for quickly mixing pie dough ingredients and creating smooth, consistent texture.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly rolling out dough sections and achieving thin, uniform pie crusts.
  • Baking Sheet: Provides stable surface for baking hand pies and prevents mess in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents pies from sticking and makes clean-up super easy.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing apple filling ingredients and preparing mixture.
  • Small Saucepan: Used for cooking apple filling and preparing warm glaze.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps apply egg wash for golden, shiny pie crust.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing apples and cutting dough sections.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Make Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies

  • Dough Foundation

Create a silky, crumbly pastry base using flour, a touch of sweetness, and cold butter. Blend ingredients until they form a magical, soft mixture that promises delightful texture.

  • Chilling Moment

Wrap your precious dough in a protective cocoon and let it rest in the refrigerator. This pause allows the ingredients to mingle and develop rich flavors.

  • Spice Symphony

Transform fresh apples into a warm, aromatic filling. Gently cook the fruit with exotic spices that dance together, creating a fragrant blend that whispers comfort and adventure.

  • Pie Crafting

Roll out delicate dough circles and cradle the spiced apple mixture. Fold and seal each little pocket, creating adorable hand-held treasures that promise pure joy.

  • Golden Transformation

Slide your beautiful creations into a warm oven. Watch as they turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone near.

  • Magical Finishing Touch

Drizzle a silky glaze over the cooled pies, adding a final layer of sweetness that makes these treats absolutely irresistible.

Helpful Tips for Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies

  • Prepare the pastry dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, saving precious time when you're ready to bake.
  • Assemble unbaked hand pies, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months – perfect for unexpected dessert cravings.
  • Replace apples with pears, peaches, or mixed berries to create seasonal variations that keep this recipe exciting and adaptable throughout the year.
  • Swap egg wash with plant-based milk and use cold coconut oil instead of butter to make these hand pies completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Plating and Serving Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies

  • Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve these hand pies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a delightful contrast of warm spices and cool, smooth textures.
  • Craft a Cozy Beverage Moment: Complement the chai spices by pairing these hand pies with a steaming mug of masala chai tea or a rich hot chocolate, creating a comforting autumn-inspired treat.
  • Create a Festive Dessert Spread: Arrange the hand pies on a rustic wooden board with additional whole spices, fresh apple slices, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an inviting and Instagram-worthy dessert presentation.
  • Elevate with Garnish Flair: Top the hand pies with a light dusting of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or some toasted chopped nuts to add extra depth and crunch to the dessert.

Keeping Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies Fresh

  • Maximize Freshness: Store hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them crisp and delicious.
  • Refrigerate for Longer Enjoyment: Extend shelf life by storing in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
  • Freeze for Future Cravings: Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed pies in a preheated oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore the pastry's crispy texture and brings out the warm chai spice flavors.
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Cozy Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies Recipe

Cozy Chai Spice Apple Hand Pies


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Delightful chai spice apple hand pies combine warm spices with flaky pastry for a comforting dessert. Compact and portable, these miniature treats bring Middle Eastern and Indian flavor influences to classic American pie-making. Bakers can easily enjoy their portable charm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples (or 5 small apples), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) plant-based butter, cold & cubed
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) coconut sugar (or white/raw cane sugar)
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) coconut sugar (or white/raw cane sugar)
  • ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) ground cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cardamom
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp (0.625 ml) ground cloves
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice
  • 25 tbsps (3075 ml) ice cold water
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cardamom

Instructions

  1. Dough Preparation: Pulse flour, coconut sugar, and salt in a food processor. Incorporate cold butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, then gradually add ice-cold water until dough coheres. Form into a flattened disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Apple Filling Creation: Combine diced apples with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Add vanilla extract, coconut sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium-low heat until apples soften and caramelize, approximately 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
  3. Pie Assembly: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch circles. Place a spoonful of cooled apple filling in the center of each circle, fold into half-moon shapes, and seal edges with a fork.
  4. Baking Process: Brush hand pies with egg wash and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until pastry turns golden brown and crisp.
  5. Finishing Touch: Whisk powdered sugar with milk or cream to create a smooth glaze. Once pies cool to room temperature, drizzle glaze over the tops and allow to set briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pastry dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure flaky, tender texture and prevent shrinking during baking.
  • Control Apple Moisture: Cook apple filling slowly to reduce excess liquid, preventing soggy hand pies and ensuring concentrated flavor development.
  • Seal Edges Carefully: Press fork edges firmly to create a tight seal, preventing filling from leaking during baking and maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
  • Glaze at Perfect Temperature: Allow hand pies to cool completely before adding glaze, ensuring it sets smoothly and doesn’t become runny or absorbed into the pastry.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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