Introduction

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are charming little hand pies filled with a warmly spiced apple filling and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for cozy afternoons, these festive treats combine the sweetness of apples with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 sheets (17.6 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch
Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar (optional)
Icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well and set aside.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template with a sharp knife, cut out 16 mitten shapes.
Step 4: Place 8 mitten shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a clear border around the edges.
Step 5: Brush the edges of each pastry base with the beaten egg, then top with a second mitten cutout. Press the edges firmly together with a fork to seal the pies completely.
Step 6: Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash. If desired, sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top for an added crunch.
Step 7: Using a knife, cut a small vent in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 8: Bake the pies for 20 to 22 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 9: Let the pies cool for a few minutes before drizzling with icing, if you like, for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping apples for pears or adding chopped nuts to the filling for extra texture.
Use a sharp knife instead of a cookie cutter if you want custom mitten shapes or other festive designs.
The egg wash helps achieve a beautiful golden crust—don’t skip this step for the best appearance.
If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar slightly or omit the icing drizzle.

Storage

Store leftover mitten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to restore flakiness. These pies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen when ready.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe

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Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand-held pastries filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. Using flaky puff pastry and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugars, these festive treats are perfect for cozy winter gatherings. Finished with an egg wash and optional pearl sugar topping, they bake to a golden, puffed perfection and can be drizzled with a sweet icing for an extra touch of comfort.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 8 hand pies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry

2 sheets (17.6 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Apple Filling

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Toppings

Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar (optional)
Icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat the apple pieces evenly and set the mixture aside to let the flavors meld.
Shape Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets gently. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template and sharp knife, cut out 16 mitten shapes from the pastry sheets.
Assemble Hand Pies: Arrange 8 mitten-shaped pastry bases on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous heaping tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each piece, leaving a clear border around the edges for sealing.
Seal Pastries: Brush the edges of each pastry base with the beaten egg to help seal. Carefully top each with a second mitten cutout, pressing the edges firmly together with a fork to fully seal the pies and prevent filling from escaping.
Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush the tops of each pie with the beaten egg wash to achieve a glossy, golden finish during baking. Optionally, sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top for extra texture and sweetness.
Vent and Bake: Use a sharp knife to cut a small vent on the top side of each pie to allow steam to escape while baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the pies are puffed and golden brown.
Cool and Decorate: Remove the mitten pies from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk for added sweetness and decoration. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

To keep the puff pastry from sticking, lightly flour your surface but avoid overusing flour which can toughen the pastry.
You can substitute apples with pears or a mix of your favorite fall fruits for variation.
If you don’t have a mitten-shaped cutter, you can create a sturdy paper template to cut shapes manually.
Use cold puff pastry sheets straight from the refrigerator for easier handling and better puffing.
The cornstarch helps thicken the fruit filling as it bakes, preventing sogginess.
Leftover hand pies can be reheated in a low oven to restore crispiness.

Keywords: apple hand pies, mitten pies, puff pastry dessert, spiced apple pastry, winter dessert, holiday treats