Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These charming hand pies take the shape of cozy mittens and are filled with a spiced apple mixture featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon. Made with flaky puff pastry, they're brushed with egg wash for a golden finish and optionally topped with pearl sugar. Baking takes under an hour, making them a delightful treat for winter gatherings. Variations include substituting pears or berries and adding warming spices like ginger or cardamom. Serve slightly warm for the best flavor experience.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:36:00 GMT
Golden, flaky Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies filled with warm, spiced apple filling ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden, flaky Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies filled with warm, spiced apple filling ready to enjoy. | citrushearth.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, 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, 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.
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| citrushearth.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 Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies, dusted with sparkling sugar, look delicious and festive. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies, dusted with sparkling sugar, look delicious and festive. | citrushearth.com

These mitten shaped hand pies make a delightful winter treat to share with loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pastry is best for these hand pies?

Ready-made puff pastry works best, providing a flaky, buttery texture that complements the spiced apple filling.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or mixed berries can be used as alternatives to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the pastry's structure.

How do I shape the hand pies like mittens without a cutter?

Use a paper template to trace mitten shapes on the pastry with a sharp knife, ensuring consistent sizes for even baking.

What spices enhance the apple filling?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice balance sweetness and warmth, with optional additions like ginger or cardamom for extra depth.

How should I store leftover hand pies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat gently before serving.

Winter Mitten Hand Pies

Flaky mitten-shaped hand pies filled with warm spiced apple, perfect for cozy winter moments and festive occasions.

Prep duration
30 minutes
Time to cook
22 minutes
Overall time
52 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

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)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 mitten shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about one heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.

Step 05

Seal Pies: Brush pastry edges with beaten egg. Cover with second mitten cutouts. Press edges gently with a fork to seal.

Step 06

Add Egg Wash and Decoration: Brush tops with egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle with pearl or sanding sugar for texture.

Step 07

Create Steam Vents: Use a knife to cut a small vent in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 08

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Step 09

Cool and Decorate: Allow pies to cool slightly before drizzling with optional icing for garnish.

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (puff pastry) and egg; may contain milk if using icing or in pastry ingredients.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 220
  • Fat content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 29 grams
  • Protein amount: 3 grams