Hey there, baking buddy! Are you ready to dive into something sweet and satisfying? Let’s talk about Mini Apple Pies! These little morsels pack a powerful punch of flavor, reminding us of fall afternoons filled with laughter, warm hugs, and the cozy scent of cinnamon wafting through the air. Imagine biting into a flaky crust, followed by tender apples spiced just right, and a sprinkle of sugar that makes everything feel like a hug from the inside. Sounds delightful, right? Well, I promise, making these mini treats at home is not just fun, it’s also healing. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
Why Make This Recipe
There’s something incredibly special about the soul-soothing act of baking mini apple pies. First off, they’re adorable and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or… definitely yourself! They let you explore your creativity and really shine in the kitchen. Plus, these little pies embrace the beauty of seasonal ingredients, making them a fantastic choice for fall, when apples are at their best.
But don’t think for a second that mini apple pies are just for special occasions or holidays. Nope! They’re perfect for any day you need a bit of comfort. Whether it’s a rainy Wednesday or you’re winding down after a long week, sitting down with one or two of these sweet pies can brighten up your day. And let’s not forget how simple they are to make! With this recipe, you’ll feel like a baking star in no time.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Now that we’re all revved up about these mini apple pies, let’s jump right into how to make them!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Allspice
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 Package of Premade Pie Dough (contains 2 crusts)
- All-purpose Flour (for dusting)
- 1 Beaten Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk, Cream, or Water (for egg wash)
- Additional Coarse Brown Sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions:
For Filling, Assembly, and Baking:
Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a pinch of salt. It should smell like warm cinnamon bliss!
Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the apple mixture to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples start to soften. Add the vanilla extract and stir well. Remove it from heat.
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to the apples to thicken the mixture, and give it a good stir. Let it cool while you prepare the pie crusts.
Dust your work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out the premade pie dough. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 4 inches in diameter. You should have enough for the top and bottom of each little pie.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lay half of the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill each one with a spoonful of the apple filling, making sure not to overfill.
Place another dough round on top of each filled base. Press the edges together to seal and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra flair.
Brush each pie with the beaten egg mixed with milk, cream, or water for a golden finish. Sprinkle a little coarse brown sugar on top for that sweet, caramelized crunch.
Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbling. The aroma will take you to your happy place!
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies
Serving mini apple pies is a chance to showcase your baking magic! You can serve them warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side? Yes, please! Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for an extra treat, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream for that dreamy touch. Not to mention, they make for a lovely presentation at gatherings, just set them out on a pretty platter and watch your friends swoon!
How to Store Mini Apple Pies
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, I know!), you can store the mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for about a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, and voilà! They’ll be cozy again in no time.
Tips to Make Mini Apple Pies
Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, consider a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The blend of spices can make or break the filling. Don’t be shy to adjust them to your taste!
Chill the Dough: If you’re making your own crust, ensure it’s chilled. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all crave.
Variation
Feeling a bit adventurous? You can switch things up by adding nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a nice crunch. Or try adding dried cranberries for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless, get creative!
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The apple filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before filling your crusts.
Q2: What if I don’t have pie crusts, can I make my own?
Definitely! You can whip up a simple pie crust with flour, butter, salt, and water if you’re feeling up to the challenge.
Q3: Can these be frozen?
Totally! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked pies. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer them to a bag for long-term storage. Bake them straight from the freezer to enjoy fresh pies anytime!
So there you have it, dear friend! Mini apple pies that are sure to fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. I can’t wait for you to try making this recipe! Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy every last bite. Happy baking!
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Mini Apple Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful mini apple pies filled with spiced apples and wrapped in a flaky crust, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Allspice
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry
- 1 Package of Premade Pie Dough (contains 2 crusts)
- All-purpose Flour (for dusting)
- 1 Beaten Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk, Cream, or Water (for egg wash)
- Additional Coarse Brown Sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice the apples, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat a medium sauté pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the apple mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry to thicken, then let cool while preparing the pie crusts.
- Dust your work surface with flour, roll out the premade pie dough, and cut out 4-inch circles.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay half of the circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and fill with the apple mixture.
- Top with another dough circle, seal the edges, and crimp with a fork.
- Brush each pie with a beaten egg mixture, sprinkle with coarse brown sugar, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature; excellent with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg