Introduction

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are a delightful treat that combines flaky puff pastry with warm, spiced apple filling. These charming hand pies are perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, bringing a touch of warmth and sweetness to your table.

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 to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template with a sharp knife to cut out 16 mitten shapes.
Step 4: Arrange 8 mitten-shaped pastry bases on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Brush the edges of each pastry base with the beaten egg. Place the remaining 8 mitten cutouts on top, then press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal the pies.
Step 6: Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top if desired for added texture and sweetness.
Step 7: Using a sharp knife, cut a small vent in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 8: Bake the pies for 20 to 22 minutes until they are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 9: Let the pies cool slightly on a wire rack. If you like, drizzle them with the prepared icing before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Try swapping apples for pears or a mix of berries for different seasonal flavors.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
Use a silicone mitten-shaped mold to create uniform shapes without needing a cookie cutter.
If you don’t have pearl sugar, coarse sanding sugar or turbinado sugar works well for topping.

Storage

Store leftover mitten pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently in a warm oven to refresh the crispness. These pies also freeze well—freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking 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 keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking to save time. Alternatively, freeze them unbaked for longer storage and bake directly from frozen when ready.

What can I use if I don’t have a mitten-shaped cutter?

You can create a paper template in the desired shape and use a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry around it. Any similarly sized shape, such as hearts or circles, also works well for these hand pies.

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies Recipe

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Winter Comfort Mitten Pies are delightful hand pies made with flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, spiced apple mixture. These charming mitten-shaped desserts are perfect for cozy winter gatherings or as a festive treat, featuring a golden crust adorned with pearl sugar and a drizzle of sweet icing.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 16 mitten pies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Puff Pastry and Egg Wash

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

Decoration

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 (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat all the apple pieces and set the filling aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Shape Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets evenly. Using a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template along with a sharp knife, cut out 16 mitten shapes from the pastry sheets.
Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 mitten-shaped pastry bases on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each, taking care to leave enough border around the edges for sealing.
Seal Pastries: Brush the edges of each pastry base with the beaten egg. Carefully top each filled base with a second mitten cutout. Press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal the pies completely and prevent filling leakage during baking.
Apply Egg Wash and Decorate: Brush the tops of the pies with more beaten egg to help them attain a beautiful golden brown color. If you like, sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
Vent and Bake: Cut a small vent in the top of each pie with a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape and prevents the pies from becoming soggy. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Cool and Decorate: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Once warm, drizzle each pie with icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk for a sweet finishing touch, if desired.

Notes

Use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
Ensure puff pastry sheets are properly thawed but still cold to make cutting and sealing easier.
Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of your apples.
Make small vents on the top of the pies to prevent bursting during baking.
For a dairy-free version, substitute egg wash with milk or use a plant-based alternative.
These pies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days and reheated gently before serving.

Keywords: apple pie, hand pies, puff pastry, winter dessert, spiced apple, mitten shaped pies, holiday treats, cozy desserts