Mini Apple Pies Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the smell of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven brings an instant cozy feeling, and that’s exactly why I love this Mini Apple Pies Recipe. These little pies are perfect for when you want a sweet treat without the fuss of making a whole large pie. They’re adorable, easy to hold, and packed with that classic apple flavor that instantly reminds me of fall gatherings with family.

What I appreciate most about this Mini Apple Pies Recipe is how versatile and approachable it is. Whether it’s a school party, a quick dessert after dinner, or a picnic snack, these bite-sized delights always hit the spot. You’ll find that their flaky crust and tender, spiced apple filling come together in a way that’s both satisfying and fun to make—trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep a batch in your freezer!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The balance between a buttery crust and spiced, tender apples is what makes this Mini Apple Pies Recipe shine. Choosing the right apples and fresh ingredients will really pay off in the final flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the crust structure but keeps it tender—look for unbleached for better flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps enhance the sweetness of the apples and the flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted butter: Cold and cut into pieces, this is key for flaky layers in the crust.
• Cold water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
• Baking apples: I love mixing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tart and sweet.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without making it overly sugary.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides that warm, classic apple pie flavor we all crave.
• Ground allspice: Adds depth and a subtle spicy note that feels special.
• Large egg: For that gorgeous golden egg wash on the pies.
• Water (for egg wash): Helps thin the egg for easy brushing.

Variations

I love to mix things up when making Mini Apple Pies Recipe—it’s fun to add your own twist. Whether you want to make it vegan, spice it up more, or swap apples for other fruits, there’s plenty of room to experiment and make it your own.

• Use Pears or Peaches: I once swapped the apples with ripe pears and cinnamon—it was a lovely surprise that felt just as cozy.
• Vegan Variation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg for egg wash; the crust still gets flaky!
• Extra Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can give the filling a little extra warmth that’s perfect for holiday seasons.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; just keep an eye on the dough texture as you might need a tiny bit more water.

How to Make Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Chill Your Crust

Start by whisking together the flour and salt, then cut the cold butter into the mixture until you’re left with little crumbly pieces about the size of lentils. This part is key because keeping the butter cold helps create that flaky texture we all love. Then drizzle your icy water over everything and gently toss with a fork. Don’t overwork the dough here — just knead it a bit until it sticks together, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it tightly before chilling it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting phase is what makes the crust easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your dough chills, finely chop your peeled apples (I find about two medium apples does the job). In a bowl, mix the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and allspice until well combined. This is your filling! You’ll smell all those wonderful spices right away—a little moment to savor before you dive in.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough and Assemble Pies

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/6-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a glass), cut out 12 circles. You’ll probably need to roll the dough out twice to get all your rounds, just keep the scraps chilled! Spoon a tablespoon of filling on one half of each circle. Whisk your egg with a little water to make an egg wash — brush this around the edges of the dough to help the pies seal tightly when you fold them over. Use a fork to press down and crimp the edges so none of the filling escapes during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your mini pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between them for expansion—about 2 inches apart works well. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash and make three small slits on each pie for steam to escape. Pop them into a preheated oven at 425°F and let them bake for 18-20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling slightly. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack—a little patience here pays off, trust me!

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I love to dust these mini pies lightly with powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a delicate touch and a bit of extra sweetness. Sometimes I whip up a quick cinnamon whipped cream or serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little something special that gets everyone smiling.

Side Dishes

These mini apple pies are fantastic paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. If it’s breakfast or brunch, I’ll serve them alongside a steaming cup of chai or coffee—and they make a lovely ending to a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like to line a rustic wooden board with parchment and arrange the mini pies with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks scattered around. They also look charming stacked in a decorative basket lined with a pretty napkin when serving at parties or potlucks. Little flags on toothpicks with fun messages make them instantly kid-friendly too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just popping them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds revives the warmth nicely—though I like to finish with a quick crisp in a toaster oven if I have time.

Freezing

This Mini Apple Pies Recipe freezes really well! I recommend freezing them before baking—place the assembled pies on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 350°F and pop the pies in for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust feels crisp again. Avoid microwaving too long as it can make the crust soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, 20 seconds helps and then finish with a quick oven or toaster oven crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Mini Apple Pies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it captures all the best parts of homemade apple pie in a fun, handheld way. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want to impress but keep things simple, and the smiles I get when sharing these warm little pockets are priceless. Give it a try the next time apple cravings hit—you’ll be glad you did, and I know you’ll be making these again and again like I do!

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