Sweet Beginnings: Delicious Apple and Honey Hand Pies for a Joyful Rosh Hashanah

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, it signals the arrival of Rosh Hashanah! For those unfamiliar, Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, renewal, and joyous celebration. And what better way to welcome a sweet new year than with these delightful Apple and Honey Hand Pies? They’re a modern twist on a beloved tradition, offering all the comforting flavors of the holiday in a perfectly portable package.

While many celebrate the new year on January 1st, there’s a unique charm and appeal to the Jewish New Year that I find particularly enchanting. Here are a few reasons why Rosh Hashanah, especially when it falls in autumn, truly stands out as the ultimate beginning:

• **Embracing Autumn’s Best:** There’s simply no denying that autumn is a magical season. The changing colors of the foliage, the crisp air that invites cozy indoor activities, and the bounty of the harvest all contribute to a feeling of fresh starts and natural abundance. It’s a time when nature itself feels like it’s celebrating new beginnings, making it the perfect backdrop for a new year celebration.
• **The Perfect Sweater Weather:** Autumn brings that sweet spot in the weather where you can comfortably don your favorite cozy sweaters without being burdened by heavy winter coats. It’s that ideal transitional period when warmth and comfort intertwine, creating an atmosphere that encourages gathering and sharing, whether indoors or out.
• **The True Start of the Year:** For many, especially students and educators, the rhythm of life naturally aligns with the academic calendar. September often feels like the true kick-off of a new cycle, with fresh goals, renewed energy, and the excitement of learning. This aligns beautifully with the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, which encourages introspection and setting intentions for the year ahead.
• **Escaping Holiday Burnout:** By the end of December, after a whirlwind of festivities and social obligations, it’s easy to feel utterly drained and yearn for solitude. Rosh Hashanah, typically occurring earlier in the fall, offers a different kind of renewal. It’s a chance for a thoughtful, community-focused celebration that often feels more invigorating than exhausting.
• **The Irresistible Allure of Apple Desserts:** And, of course, a huge part of autumn’s charm, and Rosh Hashanah’s appeal, is the abundance of incredible apple desserts. From pies and crumbles to tarts and cakes, apples are incredibly versatile and bring a comforting sweetness that is simply unmatched. These hand pies are a testament to that undeniable deliciousness!

I think those are some pretty compelling arguments for why the Jewish New Year holds a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to culinary traditions and the sheer joy of autumnal baking.

Rosh Hashanah is deeply rooted in themes of harvest, blessing, and the continuous cycle of life, all beautifully expressed through the symbolic foods we enjoy. One of the most iconic traditions involves dipping slices of apple into honey, an act that expresses our heartfelt wishes for a sweet, prosperous, and joyful year ahead. The round shape of both apples and pomegranates, which are also often featured during Rosh Hashanah, symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the continuity of the Jewish people.

While apples and honey are central, you’ll also frequently encounter pomegranates in Rosh Hashanah recipes. Pomegranates are revered for their abundance of seeds, said to number 613, which symbolically correspond to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah. While I’m certainly not going to count each seed, their presence on the holiday table signifies hope for a year filled with blessings and good deeds, as plentiful as the seeds themselves. The combination of these rich, symbolic flavors makes for a truly meaningful and delicious feast.

In past Rosh Hashanah celebrations, my baking endeavors often leaned towards classic apple and honey cakes. While undeniably delicious, this year I wanted to introduce something fresh and exciting: individual apple and honey hand pies! The concept of a hand pie offers a delightful blend of tradition and convenience. They’re perfectly portioned, easy to serve, and incredibly charming, making them ideal for both intimate family dinners and larger gatherings.

For this recipe, I opted for a traditional pie dough which contains dairy. However, if you’re looking to keep your Rosh Hashanah meal dairy-free (parve) or have dietary restrictions, adapting this recipe is wonderfully simple. You can easily substitute with your favorite dairy-free pie dough recipe or use readily available store-bought vegan shortcrust pastry. Just ensure it’s chilled and ready to roll for the best results.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of making these hand pies was adding a personal, festive touch. I used alphabet cookie cutters to stamp out “Shana Tovah” on some of the pie tops, a Hebrew greeting meaning “Good Year.” It’s a wonderful way to infuse the pies with heartfelt wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. Given the challenges many of us have faced in recent times, a wish for a truly “Good Year” feels more significant than ever. This small detail not only makes the pies visually appealing but also adds an extra layer of meaning to each bite.

Baking these hand pies is a joyful process, from the intoxicating aroma of caramelizing apples to the golden-brown crust emerging from the oven. They are versatile and can be enjoyed warm, perhaps with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience, or cooled and packed for a festive picnic or a sweet treat on the go. The balance of sweet honey and tart apples, encased in a flaky pastry, creates a dessert that is both familiar and exciting.

When selecting your apples for this recipe, consider varieties that hold their shape well during baking and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their firmness and bright tang, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples provide a sweeter profile with a satisfying crunch. A mix of varieties can offer a more complex flavor. Don’t be shy about adding a pinch of other warming spices like a touch of ginger or nutmeg to your apple filling for an extra layer of flavor complexity, though the cinnamon truly shines in this traditional pairing.

Creating beautiful hand pies is all about the details. Ensuring your pie dough is sufficiently chilled is paramount for a flaky, tender crust. Working with cold dough prevents it from becoming tough and helps maintain its shape during baking. When sealing your hand pies, a gentle crimp with a fork not only looks charming but also provides a secure seal, preventing any delicious filling from escaping. If you choose not to use cookie cutters for decorative messages, remember to cut a few small slits on the top crust of each pie before baking. These serve as steam vents, allowing moisture to escape and preventing your pies from bursting or becoming soggy. The egg wash and raw sugar sprinkle add that irresistible golden sheen and a pleasant, subtle crunch to the crust.

These Apple and Honey Hand Pies are more than just a dessert; they are a heartfelt expression of hope and tradition, baked with love for a sweet year. They truly embody the spirit of Rosh Hashanah, bringing comfort, joy, and deliciousness to your holiday table. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it a part of your own New Year celebrations.

Recipe