Winter Comfort Mitten Pies

Featured in: Sweet Spots

These mitten-shaped hand pies combine flaky puff pastry with a warm spiced apple filling. Featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon, the filling creates a comforting balance of sweetness and spice. The pies are brushed with egg wash and optionally decorated with pearl sugar or icing for a festive look. Baking until golden ensures a light, crisp texture that complements the tender fruit inside. Ideal for winter celebrations, they can also be adapted using pears or mixed berries for variety.

Simple tools like a mitten cutter or template make shaping easy, while the egg wash adds a beautiful shine. Serve slightly warm, perhaps alongside vanilla ice cream, for a delightful treat that brings warmth and charm to any occasion.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:33:00 GMT
Warm, golden brown, mitten shaped hand pies, filled with spiced apples, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. Save
Warm, golden brown, mitten shaped hand pies, filled with spiced apples, fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. | tastychuck.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.
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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

Flaky, puff pastry Mitten hand pies, dusted with sugar, offering a comforting taste of cozy winter baking. Save
Flaky, puff pastry Mitten hand pies, dusted with sugar, offering a comforting taste of cozy winter baking. | tastychuck.com

This recipe brings warmth and delight to any winter occasion with its charming shape and comforting flavors.

Recipe Guide

What spices enhance the apple filling?

Cinnamon and nutmeg create a warm, cozy flavor complemented by a touch of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I substitute other fruits for apples?

Yes, pears or mixed berries work well, offering different flavors and textures while maintaining the cozy vibe.

How do I achieve a crispy, golden crust?

Brushing the puff pastry with beaten egg before baking and baking at 200°C (400°F) until golden helps create a flaky, crisp crust.

Is it necessary to vent the pies before baking?

Cutting a small vent allows steam to escape, preventing sogginess and keeping the crust crisp.

What optional decorations can be added?

Pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar adds crunch; icing made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled after baking for a sweet finish.

Winter Comfort Mitten Pies

Flaky hand pies shaped like mittens filled with spiced apple for cozy winter gatherings.

Prep duration
30 min
Heat time
22 min
Full duration
52 min
Created by Chuck Harrison

Style Sweet Spots

Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Pastry

01 2 sheets (about 17.6 oz) ready-made puff pastry, thawed if frozen
02 1 large 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 made with powdered sugar and a small amount of milk

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Combine Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, mix diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Phase 03

Cut Pastry Shapes: Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Use a mitten-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template and sharp knife to cut 16 mitten shapes.

Phase 04

Assemble Hand Pies: Place 8 pastry mittens on the baking sheet. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of apple filling onto the center of each, leaving a border around the edges.

Phase 05

Seal Pastries: Brush edges of the bottom pastry with beaten egg. Place the second mitten cutout on top and gently press edges with a fork to seal.

Phase 06

Add Finishing Touches: Brush tops with egg wash. Optionally, sprinkle with pearl sugar or coarse sanding sugar for added texture.

Phase 07

Vent and Bake: Cut a small vent on the top of each hand pie with a knife. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until golden and puffed.

Phase 08

Cool and Decorate: Allow pies to cool slightly. Drizzle with prepared icing if desired before serving.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains gluten and egg; may contain milk depending on icing and pastry ingredients.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 220
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 3 g