When the scent of warm, spiced apples wafts through your home, it feels like a hug from Grandma. Mini apple pies are the perfect bite-sized morsels that combine flaky crusts with sweet and tangy apple filling, offering a nostalgic embrace with every mouthful. Trust me, these little delights hold the power to turn any mundane afternoon into a cozy celebration.
Picture this: you’re gathered with friends or family, laughter fills the air, and suddenly someone brings out a tray of mini apple pies. You can practically hear the chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” as they emerge from their golden-brown shells. These treats are not just desserts; they are memories waiting to be made around the table. You might even find yourself dreaming up excuses to make them for every occasion—because who needs an excuse for pie?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini apple pies are easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to wow your guests
- Their comforting flavors create a warm atmosphere perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home
- The charming individual servings make them visually appealing and fun to share
- Plus, they can be customized with your favorite spices or toppings for endless variations
I remember the first time I made these mini apple pies; my kids were so excited they practically danced around the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought for convenience or whip up a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous.
Apples: Go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for that rich caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: A must-have spice! It adds warmth and depth to your filling.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash brightens up the flavors and keeps apples from browning.
Butter: A little butter in the filling gives it richness and helps the flavor pop.
Egg Wash: One egg beaten with water gives that lovely golden sheen on top of your pies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make Your Pie Crust: If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out according to package instructions. For homemade dough, mix flour, salt, and butter until crumbly before adding cold water until just combined.
Prepare Your Filling: Peel and slice your apples thinly so they cook evenly. In a bowl, toss them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and melted butter until well coated.
Roll Out Dough Circles: Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out circles from your pie crust about 4 inches in diameter. Gather any scraps of dough to re-roll later.
Fill Your Pies: Place about one tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold over one side and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.
Brush with Egg Wash & Bake: Brush each pie with egg wash before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
These mini apple pies are best enjoyed warm from the oven but can also be stored for later snacking (if they last that long!). Serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- Mini Apple Pies are not just delicious; they’re also fun to make and share
- The perfect balance of sweetness and spice will fill your kitchen with a cozy aroma, turning any day into a sweet celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your apple filling while preheating the oven. Roll out the dough, fill, and bake for the perfect mini treats.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap apples for pears or add nuts and cranberries for extra flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can take your pies to another level.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that golden crust, brush your pies with egg wash before baking
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps achieve that flaky texture you crave
Cooking these mini apple pies brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly waited for their turn to grab one fresh out of the oven.
FAQ
What type of apples work best for mini apple pies?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness during baking.
Can I make mini apple pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake right before serving.
How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding the filling to create a sturdy base.
Mini Apple Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini apple pies are delightful, bite-sized treats that evoke warm memories of family gatherings. With a flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling, these mini pies are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make yet impressive enough to wow your guests, they are sure to bring smiles and cozy aromas into your home. Serve them warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut into 4-inch circles.
- In a bowl, combine apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and melted butter.
- Place one tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold over and crimp edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
