Winter Comfort Mitten Pies

Featured in: Sweet Easy Treats

These mitten-shaped hand pies offer a comforting blend of flaky puff pastry and warm, spiced apple filling. Crafted with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice, the filling provides a cozy sweetness complementing the crisp, golden crust. Perfectly sized for sharing, they bring a festive charm to any winter gathering. Optional sugar decorations and icing add a delightful finishing touch, making them an inviting treat during chilly seasons.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 10:34:00 GMT
Golden-brown, puffy mitten-shaped hand pies filled with spiced apple, perfect winter comfort food. Pin This
Golden-brown, puffy mitten-shaped hand pies filled with spiced apple, perfect winter comfort food. | messli.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.
Flaky, warm Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies, showcasing sweet apple filling and festive sugaring. Pin This
Flaky, warm Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies, showcasing sweet apple filling and festive sugaring. | messli.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, beautifully decorated Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies ready to serve with a drizzle. Pin This
Freshly baked, beautifully decorated Winter Comfort: Mitten Shaped Hand Pies ready to serve with a drizzle. | messli.com

These mitten shaped hand pies are a delightful winter treat that bring warmth and joy to any gathering.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute apples with other fruits?

Yes, pears or mixed berries can be used as delicious alternatives to apples, offering different flavor profiles.

How do I seal the edges of the pies properly?

Brush the edges with beaten egg and press firmly with a fork to ensure a secure seal during baking.

What baking temperature and time are recommended?

Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–22 minutes until the pies are golden and puffed.

Are there any optional decorations for these pies?

Pearl sugar or sanding sugar can be sprinkled on top before baking, and icing drizzles add a sweet finish after cooling.

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the pies ahead and refrigerate before baking, ensuring freshness and convenience.

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies

Flaky spiced apple hand pies shaped like mittens, ideal for cozy winter occasions and festive moments.

Prep Needed
30 minutes
Time to Cook
22 minutes
Overall Time
52 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Notes Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Pastry

01 2 sheets ready-made puff pastry, thawed (approximately 17.6 oz)
02 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Apple Filling

01 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 2 tbsp granulated sugar
03 1 tbsp brown sugar
04 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
05 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
06 1 tsp lemon juice
07 1 tsp cornstarch

Decoration (Optional)

01 Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar
02 Icing (powdered sugar mixed with a small amount of milk)

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated 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 and sharp knife, cut 16 mitten shapes.

Step 04

Assemble Hand Pies: Arrange 8 mitten-shaped pastry cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon approximately one heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a rim around the edges.

Step 05

Seal and Apply Egg Wash: Brush the edges of each pastry with beaten egg. Top each with a second mitten-shaped cutout. Press the edges gently with a fork to seal and brush the tops with egg wash.

Step 06

Add Decorative Sugar and Vent: If desired, sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar over the tops. Use a knife to cut a small vent in the center of each pie.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until the pies are puffed and golden brown.

Step 08

Cool and Decorate: Allow pies to cool slightly before optionally drizzling with icing made from powdered sugar and milk.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains gluten and egg; may contain milk if icing or pastry includes dairy components.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 220
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 3 g