Imagine biting into a flaky, golden crust filled with warm, spiced apple filling that dances on your taste buds like a sugarplum fairy. These delightful Christmas Tree Hand Pies are not just a festive treat; they evoke nostalgia from childhood holiday gatherings when the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, making everyone giddy with joy. festive cranberry mojito delightful Christmas pinwheel cookies You can almost hear the laughter and see the twinkling lights as you take each heavenly bite. fudge brownie cookies.
These hand pies are perfect for holiday parties or cozy family gatherings. They’re easy to make, look adorable on the dessert table, and taste like Christmas in every mouthful. Trust me, one bite will have you dreaming of sugarplums and wishing it were Christmas every day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Tree Hand Pies are fun to make and perfect for all ages
- Their delicious flavor combination is sure to impress both kids and adults alike
- Plus, they add a festive touch to any holiday gathering with their cute tree shape
- Best of all, you can customize the fillings based on your favorite seasonal flavors!
Sharing this delightful recipe with my friends brought back memories of our annual bake-off where we would compete for the title of “Pie King.” I still chuckle at my friend’s face when he realized he had used salt instead of sugar.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious hand pies:
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Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry saves time; just thaw it before use for flaky perfection.
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Apples: Granny Smith apples work great; their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
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Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for that classic warm flavor that screams holiday cheer.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar will bring out the natural sweetness of the apples without overpowering them.
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Egg Wash: A simple mix of beaten egg gives your pies that golden brown finish we all crave.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with wonderful scents and happy vibes!
Prepare Your Pastry: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface until smooth and about 1/8 inch thick.
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. cinnamon sugar butter biscuits Toss until apples are well coated in sweet cinnamon goodness.
Cut Out Shapes: Using a cookie cutter or knife, cut out Christmas tree shapes from the pastry. You’ll want two matching trees per pie—one for the bottom and one for the top.
Assemble the Pies: Place one pastry tree shape on a lined baking sheet. Spoon some apple filling onto it leaving space around the edges. Top with another pastry shape and seal by pressing down gently.
Brush with Egg Wash: Beat an egg in a bowl and brush it onto each pie for that beautiful golden shine while baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. The aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Now sit back as you let those delicious hand pies cool slightly before serving up this holiday magic! Each bite will be crispy on the outside and bursting with warm apple goodness inside—perfectly festive!
You Must Know
- The Christmas Tree Hand Pies are a delightful holiday treat that combines flaky pastry with sweet or savory fillings
- Their cute tree shape makes them perfect for gatherings
- You can easily customize the fillings based on your family’s favorites, making them a festive hit
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your filling first, then roll out the pastry while it chills. This ensures you have everything ready to go, and the pastry remains cold for a flaky texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fillings like using cranberry sauce instead of apple, or even a savory cheese mix. The options are endless and can cater to all taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy exterior.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your pastry is cold before rolling it out; this helps achieve those perfect flaky layers
- Avoid overstuffing your hand pies to prevent leaks during baking
- Lastly, brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish!
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about last Christmas, when my cousin brought her famous hand pies. They were gone before I could even snag one! Now I’m on a mission to create the best version ever.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pastry for my Christmas Tree Hand Pies?
For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Yes, store-bought puff pastry works great and saves time during busy holiday prep.
What fillings work best for these hand pies?
Sweet fillings like apple pie or savory ones like spinach and cheese are fantastic choices.
How can I make my hand pies extra festive?
Add colorful sprinkles or icing on top after baking for a fun holiday touch!
Christmas Tree Hand Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 hand pies 1x
Description
Indulge in the charm of Christmas with these delightful Christmas Tree Hand Pies! Encased in a flaky puff pastry and filled with warm, spiced apple goodness, these adorable treats are perfect for holiday gatherings. Evoking nostalgia and cheer, they’re not just tasty—they’re a celebration on your dessert table. Ideal for both kids and adults, these hand pies are easily customizable to suit any palate. One bite and you’ll be transported to festive memories of laughter and joy.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples (diced)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface until smooth and about 1/8 inch thick.
- In a bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon; toss until well-coated.
- Cut out Christmas tree shapes from the pastry—two per pie.
- Place one tree shape on a baking sheet, add apple filling, then top with another tree shape and seal.
- Brush with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie (85g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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