Description
These Mini Apple Pies are delightful individual pastries filled with a spiced apple mixture. Featuring a flaky pie crust encasing tender, cinnamon-infused apples, these bite-sized pies are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Easy to prepare and bake, they offer the comforting classic flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient mini portion.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups tart apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Crust & Topping
- Pie crust dough (enough to cut rounds for 12 mini pies)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles slightly larger than your mini pie tins or muffin cups to build a sturdy base and edges.
- Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and finely chop your apples into small cubes. Toss them in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, mixing gently to coat every piece with spices.
- Assemble the Mini Pies: Place the dough rounds inside the mini pie tins, pressing gently to fit. Spoon the apple filling into each crust, leaving space at the top to prevent spills. Dot each with a tiny piece of butter for added richness.
- Top and Seal: Cover the pies with smaller dough rounds or lattice strips, sealing the edges by pinching or crimping tightly. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and cut small vents to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the mini pies on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden color and the filling is bubbling. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balanced sweet-tart flavor and good texture.
- Ensure the pie dough is well chilled before rolling for easier handling and a flakier crust.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the filling for extra warmth in flavor.
- Allow pies to cool sufficiently to let the filling set and avoid burns from hot filling.
- These mini pies can be frozen before baking; thaw and bake as directed when ready.
