Glazed Fried Apple Hand Pies That Are Impossible to Resist

Glazed Fried Apple Hand Pies That Are Impossible to Resist

There is something almost magical about a hand pie fresh from the fryer. The crust blisters and turns a deep, burnished gold, the apple filling bubbles just enough to send the most intoxicating cinnamon scent drifting through the kitchen, and then comes the glaze — a sweet, glossy drizzle that sets into a crackly shell as the pies cool. Or at least, that is the plan. In practice, most people do exactly what any sensible person would do: they grab one the moment it hits the plate and eat it while it is still steaming.

These glazed fried apple hand pies are the kind of old-fashioned treat that feels like a warm hug. They are generous, indulgent, and deeply satisfying — the sort of thing that disappears from a platter in minutes at any gathering. Once you learn how straightforward they are to make, they will become a regular request in your home.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully), peeled, cored, and diced small
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup cold buttermilk (plus a little extra if needed)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the edges)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil or canola oil, enough to fill a deep skillet or pot about 2 to 3 inches deep

For the Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional but lovely)

Method

Step 1 — Make the Apple Filling