Copycat McDonald's Apple Pies: Crispy, Flaky & Delicious!

Introduction

McDonald's apple pies are an iconic dessert, known for their crispy, golden crust and warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling. While the fast-food version is delicious, making them at home allows you to enjoy a fresher, healthier, and even tastier treat!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to recreate these handheld pies with a flaky crust, a rich apple filling, and that signature deep-fried (or baked) crunch.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & diced
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water

For the Pie Dough:

1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water

For Frying (Optional):

2 cups vegetable oil

For Baking (Alternative Method):

1 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the apple mixture.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Dough

Roll out the pie crust and cut into 4x6-inch rectangles.
Spoon 1-2 tbsp of apple filling onto half of each rectangle, leaving a border.
Fold the dough over and press the edges with a fork to seal.

Step 3: Fry or Bake

For Frying:

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry pies for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

For Baking:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush pies with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Let pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Pies

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
Seal edges well to prevent filling from leaking.
For extra crispiness, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these apple pies ahead of time?

Yes! Store unbaked pies in the fridge for 1 day or freeze them for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Absolutely! Puff pastry gives a flakier, more layered texture.

3. Can I bake instead of fry for a healthier option?

Yes! Baking with a cinnamon sugar topping still gives a great crunch.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

5. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan pie crust, dairy-free butter, and skip the egg wash.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat McDonald's Apple Pie recipe lets you enjoy a homemade version of this fast-food favorite, whether fried or baked. Try making a batch today and treat yourself to a crispy, sweet, and nostalgic dessert!

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