Start by peeling and chopping your apples into small pieces. Aim for around 2 ½ cups. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and lemon juice in a bowl. The sugars will draw out the juices of the apples and blend beautifully with the spices. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together.

If you've opted for homemade pie dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. If using store-bought, follow the package instructions. Cut circles using a pastry cutter or a large glass, about 4-5 inches across, for your hand pies.

Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Don’t overfill, as that can make closing them tricky. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges with your fingers or crimp with a fork to seal tightly. This step helps locked-in flavors.

Using an egg wash brushed over the top of each pie promotes a lovely browning effect. It also adds a little shine that makes these pies look irresistible.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arranging your pies with some space in between. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky.