Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie
If you grew up loving those golden, crispy little handheld McDonald’s apple pies, you’re going to be obsessed with this homemade Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pie version (because it’s WAY better 😉).
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These Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies are warm, flaky, and filled with gooey cinnamon-spiced apples that taste just like the original—maybe even better! Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, which makes them a little lighter, but just as delicious.
Perfect for a cozy fall dessert, an after-school snack, or even breakfast (no judgment here!). This recipe uses puff pastry to get that signature flaky texture without all the fuss of making dough from scratch. I know you will love these!
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pies
- Better than drive-thru – Warm, fresh, and straight out of the oven.
- Easy ingredients – Just a sheet of puff pastry and a few pantry staples.
- Family-friendly – Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the filling in advance and assemble when ready.
What You’ll Need
Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!
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- Parchment Paper
- Sheet Pans
- Butter – For rich flavor in the filling.
- Granny Smith apples – Tart, crisp apples that hold up well while baking.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon + lemon juice – Warm spice and a pop of brightness.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch + water – Thickens the filling.
- Puff pastry – Store-bought keeps this recipe quick and easy. I have been loving the Jus-Roll brand puff pastry. It’s refrigerated instead of frozen and I find it easier to use.
- Egg wash – For a golden, glossy crust.
- Cinnamon-sugar topping – The perfect sweet finishing touch
How To Make It
Make the Apple Filling
In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the apples are soft. Whisk the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the apples to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the thawed (but still cold) puff pastry on a floured surface to about 12” wide. Cut into 4–6 rectangles, depending on how large you’d like your pies.
3. Assemble the Pies
Place the rectangles on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each rectangle. Fold over the pastry and press the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Add the Topping
Whisk the egg with a splash of water, then brush over the tops. Cut small slits with a sharp knife to vent. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar.
5. Bake
Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Let cool slightly before eating—the filling will be hot, just like the real McDonald’s pies!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish!
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Tips
- Don’t overfill – It’s tempting, but too much filling will cause leaks.
- Cool the filling – Warm filling can make the pastry soggy.
- Use cold puff pastry – This helps it puff up beautifully in the oven.
- Try different apples – Honeycrisp or Fuji work well if you want a sweeter pie.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pies – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside before sealing.
- Berry Pies – Swap apples for blueberries, cherries, or strawberries.
- Glazed Pies – Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon-sugar.
FAQ’s
Can I freeze these pies?
Yes! Assemble the pies (unbaked), freeze on a sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Do I have to use puff pastry?
Nope! You can also use refrigerated pie crust for a more classic apple hand pie texture.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, checking halfway through.
Try These Fall Favorites
- Crock Pot Apple Cider
- Spice Cake
- Cherry Apple Oat Bars
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Banana Bread Cookie Bars
- Magic Bars
Summary
These Copycat McDonald’s Apple Pies are everything you love about the original—sweet, spiced apple filling tucked inside a crispy golden crust—but even better because they’re homemade. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Next time you’re craving a warm, flaky treat, skip the drive-thru and whip up a batch of these instead. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you.
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Copycat McDonald’s Apple Hand Pies
Equipment
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until the apples are soft. Whisk the cornstarch and water together, then stir it into the apples to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the thawed (but still cold) puff pastry on a floured surface to about 12” wide. Cut into 4–6 rectangles, depending on how large you’d like your pies.
- Place the rectangles on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each rectangle. Fold over the pastry and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Whisk the egg with a splash of water, then brush over the tops. Cut small slits with a sharp knife to vent. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and flaky. Let cool slightly before eating—the filling will be hot, just like the real McDonald’s pies!
These were so delicious! Better than McDonald’s!
woo hoo!
I’ve made these 3x already. They are delicious. This recipe is perfect.
So happy to hear!