Mini Apple Pies

Introduction

There’s something about a mini apple pie that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the golden, flaky crust, or the warm, cinnamon-spiced filling that hugs each tender apple slice. Or maybe it’s because each mini pie is like its own little bundle of joy—a perfect single serving of autumn comfort. These Mini Apple Pies are the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for everything from weeknight treats to holiday celebrations.

What makes these pies so special is their balance of sweet, tart apples and warm spices, all tucked into a buttery, flaky crust. The mini size? Well, that makes them feel even more fun and shareable! Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a holiday get-together, or just because, these pies never disappoint.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these little pies for friends and family. They’re a crowd favorite, and the best part is, they’re super simple to whip up—no need to be a pastry pro to get that perfect golden crust. In fact, I think these pies are one of the easiest ways to impress people with your baking skills, even if you’re just starting out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m going to be honest here—these mini apple pies are a game-changer. Let me tell you exactly why you’ll want to make them again and again:

• Super easy to make: Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find that this recipe is super straightforward. With a store-bought pie crust and simple ingredients, you can have these mini pies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves the warm, cozy flavor of apple pie. Plus, the individual serving sizes make them extra fun to eat (and share!).
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a Sunday family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, these mini pies are the ideal dessert to serve. They’re portable, easy to eat, and so delicious.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences—add a little caramel, sprinkle in some nuts, or even mix in a splash of maple syrup for extra flavor.

If you’re already dreaming of warm apple pie (and trust me, you will be by the time you finish reading this), then I say it’s time to get baking!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes (including prep and bake time)
• Servings: Makes 8 mini pies

Nutrition Facts (per mini pie):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious mini apple pies. I kept the ingredients simple, so even beginner bakers can give them a go without feeling overwhelmed.

• 2 medium apples (I like Granny Smith for a tart contrast, but you can use your favorite variety)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)
• 1 package (about 2 crusts) of refrigerated pie dough (store-bought makes it so easy!)
• 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• A pinch of salt (to balance out the sweetness)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a little extra crunch)

Why These Ingredients Matter:

• Apples: The apples are the star of the show here. I love using Granny Smith apples because of their tartness, which contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. Feel free to mix in some sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter filling.
• Sugar & Spices: The combo of granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives these pies that cozy, fall flavor. Don’t skip the spices—this is what really makes the filling shine.
• Pie Dough: I’m all about keeping things simple with store-bought dough. It’s flaky, buttery, and saves so much time. But if you’re feeling ambitious, you can always make your own from scratch!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything we need, let’s get started! Don’t worry, I’ve broken this down into super simple steps to make sure you feel confident throughout the process.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to heat up while you’re assembling the pies.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges (about 1/4-inch thick). I like to use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works just fine.
3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. This creates a syrupy coating that will make the filling perfectly sweet and spiced. Add the cornstarch to thicken it up—this ensures the filling doesn’t turn runny while baking.
4. Prepare the pie crust: Roll out the pie dough onto a floured surface. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. You’ll need 16 circles in total (8 for the bottom and 8 for the tops).
5. Assemble the mini pies: Press one dough circle into each cup of a muffin tin (make sure the cups are greased or lined with paper). This will form the base of your mini pies. Fill each cup with a heaping tablespoon of the apple filling. Then, place another dough circle on top of the apples and gently press around the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch!
6. Add butter and egg wash: Dot each mini pie with a tiny cube of butter, which helps the filling become rich and golden. Then, whisk the egg and brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash—this gives them that perfect golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If you notice that the crust is getting too dark before the pies are done, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
8. Cool and serve: Let the pies cool for about 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve them warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

How to Serve These Mini Apple Pies

These mini apple pies are absolutely delicious on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are a few serving ideas:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warm apple filling pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy ice cream.
• Top with whipped cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream is the perfect contrast to the rich, spiced apple filling.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce: If you’re a fan of extra sweetness, a drizzle of caramel sauce will make these pies even more decadent.
• Serve with a warm drink: A hot cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with these pies. For the holidays, you can’t go wrong with a spiced chai latte.

Additional Tips for Perfect Mini Apple Pies

• Don’t overfill the pies: You want the apples to cook evenly, so don’t overstuff each pie. A heaping tablespoon of filling is just the right amount.
• Use cold dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with.
• Rest before serving: Let the pies cool for a few minutes before digging in—this gives the filling a chance to set, so it doesn’t spill everywhere when you take a bite.
• Use a muffin tin: This is the key to getting those perfect individual portions. Plus, the muffin tin ensures the pies hold their shape while baking.

Recipe Variations

• Caramel Apple Pies: For an extra indulgent twist, add a spoonful of caramel sauce to the apple filling before baking.
• Pecan Crust: For a nuttier crust, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the dough before baking.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pie crust and make sure your filling ingredients are all gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
• Maple Apple Pies: Substitute the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, maple-flavored filling.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers

If you end up with any leftovers (which, let’s be real, is unlikely), here’s how to store and freeze them:

• Storage: Keep any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they’re best stored in the fridge.
• Freezing: To freeze the pies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith apples for their tartness, you can use any variety you like. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples are also great choices.

Can I make these pies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pies, freeze them, and bake them fresh when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

Can I make these pies without a muffin tin? Yes! If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can shape the mini pies by hand and bake them on a baking sheet. Just make sure they’re securely sealed so the filling doesn’t leak out.

Can I make these mini apple pies with a homemade crust? Definitely! If you prefer homemade pie dough, go for it. Just roll it out the same way and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

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Conclusion

These Mini Apple Pies are the perfect treat to share with friends and family, or simply to enjoy on a cozy night in. I hope you love them as much as I do! And don’t forget—if you try this recipe, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see how your pies turn out!

Happy baking!