There’s something undeniably charming about the smell of warm apples baking in a buttery crust, don’t you think? Mini apple pies bring that cozy aroma to life, wrapping your home in an inviting embrace. Just imagine biting into a perfectly flaky crust, revealing tender cinnamon-infused apples that dance on your taste buds. It’s like a hug for your mouth, and if that doesn’t make you want to dive right in, I don’t know what will!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of apples are best for mini apple pies?
- Can I use store-bought pie crust for mini apple pies?
- How long do mini apple pies last once baked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made mini apple pies. My kitchen turned into a battleground of flour and sugar as my little ones helped (or hindered) the process. Their excitement was contagious as they rolled out dough and sprinkled cinnamon like it was confetti. We celebrated with laughter and sticky fingers, creating sweet memories that still warm my heart today. These delightful treats are perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, promising smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini apple pies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion
- Each bite delivers a delightful explosion of flavors with just the right amount of sweetness
- Their charming size makes them visually appealing—perfect for impressing guests at gatherings
- They are versatile enough to be enjoyed warm with ice cream or at room temperature as a snack
One memorable occasion was when my friend tasted these mini apple pies for the first time; she couldn’t stop raving about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to flour for achieving that flaky pastry crust; make sure it’s fresh!
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the best texture; it creates those lovely layers in the crust.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten those apples beautifully; adjust depending on how sweet you like your filling.
Cinnamon: A must-have spice here; it adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Fresh Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for balance against the sweetness.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up flavors and helps keep apples from browning.
Egg Wash (Egg + Water): For that golden finish on top; trust me, it makes a difference!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by mixing flour and salt in a bowl, then cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water gradually, stirring until combined.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky texture.
Make Your Filling: While the dough chills, peel and slice apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.
Roll Out Dough & Cut Circles: Once chilled, roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles large enough to fit your muffin tin.
Assemble Mini Pies: Place dough circles into muffin tin cups. Fill each with apple mixture and top with another circle of dough. Seal edges with fork prongs for that rustic look.
Bake Your Pies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
And there you have it! Delicious mini apple pies ready to be devoured by yourself or shared with loved ones. Enjoy every bite of these delightful treats!
You Must Know
- Mini apple pies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of apples
- These little gems are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, offering a delicious burst of flavor in every bite
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will leave everyone craving more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make your mini apple pies shine, start by prepping your crust first while your filling simmers on the stove. This way, everything stays warm and deliciously fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular apples for tart Granny Smiths or sweet Honeycrisps for varied flavor. You can even drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a flaky crust that melts in your mouth
- Adding lemon juice to the apples enhances their flavor and keeps them from browning
- Don’t overfill the pies; that leads to messy edges and less crispiness!
There’s nothing quite like watching friends’ eyes light up when they bite into one of these mini delights at my last gathering. Everyone begged for seconds!
FAQ
What type of apples are best for mini apple pies?
A mix of tart and sweet apples creates a balanced flavor profile and delightful texture.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for mini apple pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought crust saves time while still delivering delicious results.
How long do mini apple pies last once baked?
They stay fresh at room temperature for two days but refrigerate them for longer storage.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Mini Apple Pies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini apple pies are the perfect bite-sized dessert, combining a flaky crust with tender, cinnamon-infused apples. These delightful treats fill your home with the comforting aroma of baked apples, making them ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, each mini pie is a sweet explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted cold butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 cups fresh Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until combined.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll Out Dough & Cut Circles: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thick and cut circles for muffin tin cups.
- Assemble Mini Pies: Place dough circles in muffin tin, fill with apple mixture, top with another dough circle, and seal edges.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), brush tops with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
