Mini Apple Pies: A Bite-Sized Fall Delight

There’s something undeniably magical about the scent of cinnamon-spiced apples wafting through the air, blending with the warmth of freshly baked dough. These mini apple pies bring together the very essence of autumn in a bite-sized treat that can be enjoyed all year long. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just an afternoon snack, these little pies are sure to become a favorite. The flaky, golden crust paired with the sweet, tender apple filling creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for another one, and then another.

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Unlike traditional apple pies that require a whole pie dish and a bit more effort, mini apple pies offer a fun and easy way to enjoy this classic dessert. Plus, they’re customizable! With a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory all wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary journey, these mini apple pies will guide you through the steps of making an irresistibly delicious dessert.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need for These Mini Apple Pies

Before diving into the process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make these mini apple pies so scrumptious. Simple and easy to find, these ingredients will transform into a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

For the Filling:

• 2 medium-sized apples: The heart and soul of this mini pie filling, apples are essential for that classic, comforting taste. For this recipe, you’ll need firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith apples are a great option for their tartness, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, so choose based on your preference.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to the filling, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples while keeping the pie rich and flavorful.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A quintessential fall spice, cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the filling. Its subtle heat pairs beautifully with the apples, making the aroma of the pies simply irresistible.
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is another warm spice that complements cinnamon perfectly, bringing out the sweet and spicy notes in the filling.
• ¼ tsp allspice: This spice adds complexity and a mild peppery note, enhancing the flavor profile of the filling.
• ¼ tsp ground ginger: Ginger introduces a subtle zing, balancing out the sweetness and adding a fresh kick to the flavor.
• Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the apples while mellowing the spices, creating a harmonious balance.
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter provides richness and a silky texture, making the filling smooth and slightly creamy as it cooks down.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a comforting, fragrant sweetness that marries the flavors together beautifully.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry: Cornstarch thickens the filling, ensuring that it holds together nicely and doesn’t turn runny while baking.

For the Assembly and Baking:

• 1 package of premade pie dough (contains 2 crusts): Premade pie dough makes this recipe even easier, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer to make your own pie dough, you can certainly do so, but using store-bought dough is a great shortcut for busy bakers.
• All-purpose flour for dusting: A little flour on the surface prevents the dough from sticking as you cut out the circles.
• 1 beaten egg for egg wash: The egg wash adds a shiny, golden finish to the pies and helps the top crust crisp up beautifully.
• 1 tbsp milk, cream, or water for egg wash: The liquid helps the egg wash spread more evenly over the pies.
• Additional coarse brown sugar for sprinkling: A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top of the pies adds a sweet crunch and enhances the overall flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Mini Apple Pies

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create these mini apple pies. The process is straightforward, and you’ll have a batch of mini pies ready to enjoy in about an hour.

1. Make the Apple Filling:

Start by preparing the filling, which is the heart of any good apple pie. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Melt the butter in the pan, and toss everything together. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should begin to soften, and the sugar should melt, forming a lovely syrup.

Once the apples are softened, add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. This will help thicken the mixture and ensure it holds together once baked. Stir gently to combine and allow the mixture to simmer for another minute or two. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent the pies from sticking.

On a lightly floured surface, unroll the premade pie dough. Using a round cutter (a glass or a cookie cutter works well), cut out circles from the dough. You’ll need two circles per mini pie—one for the bottom and one for the top. If you run out of dough, gather and re-roll the scraps to cut out more circles. You should aim for about 12 circles, depending on the size you choose.

3. Assemble the Mini Apple Pies:

Place half of the dough circles onto the prepared baking sheet. These will serve as the bottom layer of the mini pies. Take about a tablespoon or more of the apple filling and spoon it onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling could spill out during baking.

Next, take the remaining dough circles and use a sharp knife to cut slits in the middle, forming a lattice pattern or just making a few small cuts to allow steam to escape while baking. These circles will be the top layer of the mini pies. Carefully place the slotted dough circles on top of the filled bottom layers. Use a fork to press down around the edges, sealing the pies and ensuring they stay together during baking.

4. Add the Egg Wash and Sugar:

In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of milk, cream, or water to make an egg wash. This will give the pies a beautiful golden sheen once baked. Brush the egg wash over the top of each mini pie using a pastry brush or a spoon.

Once the pies are brushed with the egg wash, sprinkle a little coarse brown sugar on top of each one. This will add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the pies.

5. Bake the Mini Apple Pies:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pies for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on the size of your pies and the type of dough you’re using. If the pies begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

6. Enjoy the Mini Apple Pies:

Once the mini apple pies are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These pies are best enjoyed warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. Serve them as a standalone dessert or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.

Additional Tips for Success and Variations:

• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing these mini pies in advance, you can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to assemble, simply bring the filling to room temperature and proceed with the rest of the recipe. You can also freeze the assembled pies before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Substitute the Apples: While apples are traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Pears or a mix of pears and apples create a delicious variation. For a more tropical twist, you could try using peaches or even berries for a different flavor.
• Spices and Flavor Enhancements: If you want to add more depth to the flavor of the filling, consider adding a bit of cardamom, ground cloves, or a splash of bourbon for extra warmth. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the filling and balance out the sweetness.
• Serving Suggestions: These mini apple pies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual weeknight desserts. They’re portable, so they’re a great choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a sweet gift. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat, or indulge with a scoop of ice cream for something extra special.

A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Mini apple pies are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of classic apple pie in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re preparing them for a special gathering or simply indulging yourself, these mini pies will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. With their golden, flaky crust and warm, spiced apple filling, they bring all the best elements of fall baking into a single bite-sized treat. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can adjust the spices and fruit to suit your tastes.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of mini apple pies that will impress your friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to taste them. After all, who can resist a sweet, warm apple pie, especially when it’s made in a miniature form?