If you’re anything like me, you’ll fall head over heels for this Mini Apple Pies Recipe. There’s just something so charming about having perfectly portioned little pies that pack in all the cozy warmth and sweetness of traditional apple pie but in a fun, handheld size. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering, a kid’s party, or a simple afternoon treat, these mini pies are sure to become your new go-to for impressing without the fuss.
What I especially love about this Mini Apple Pies Recipe is how approachable it is. You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps—just good apples, a buttery crust, and some cinnamon-spiced love. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how quickly those flaky little pockets disappeared at my family table. It’s a recipe that genuinely delivers that cozy homemade feeling every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portion Control: These mini pies allow you to enjoy just the right amount of apple pie without overindulging.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you love tart granny smith or sweet honeycrisp apples, this recipe welcomes your favorite baking apple.
- Impress with Minimal Effort: The flaky crust and spiced filling look gourmet but are super straightforward to whip up.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a cozy weekend treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Mini Apple Pies Recipe really comes down to simple, high-quality ingredients working together. Picking the right apples and using cold butter are key to getting that tender, flaky crust and perfectly balanced filling.
- All-purpose flour: It provides the perfect structure for the crust; make sure to scoop and level to avoid dense dough.
- Salt: Just a touch enhances all the flavors in the crust and filling.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed butter is essential to that flaky, tender crust you’ll love biting into.
- Cold water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter – crucial for getting that perfect texture.
- Baking apples: I recommend using a mix, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness – balance is everything here.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds comforting warmth – fresh ground will make a noticeable difference.
- Ground allspice: This little spice kick elevates the filling with subtle complexity.
- Large egg: Used for the egg wash, it gives the crust that beautiful golden shine and helps seal the pies.
- Water (for egg wash): Just enough to thin the egg so it spreads easily over the crust.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Mini Apple Pies Recipe quite a bit and found it’s incredibly flexible. You can tweak spices, filling amounts, or even the crust to suit your taste or dietary needs, which makes it a perfect canvas to personalize.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger makes the filling even more fragrant and cozy — I absolutely love this for holiday baking.
- Sweetener swap: Try brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor that deepens the apple’s sweetness.
- Gluten-free crust: I substituted a gluten-free flour blend once, and while a bit more delicate, it still produced tasty mini pies.
- Mini turnovers: Use puff pastry to make quick turnovers for an even flakier crust — perfect if you’re pressed for time.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Crafting the Flaky Crust
Start by mixing your flour and salt in a bowl—this step is simple but important to distribute the salt evenly. Then, use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour until you get crumbs about the size of lentils. This is where the magic begins! Drizzle cold water over the mix little by little, tossing gently with a fork to combine until the dough just holds together. Don’t overwork it; you want a tender crust. Press it into a disk, wrap it up, and toss it in the fridge for at least half an hour — chilling means easier rolling later and a flakier crust!
Step 2: Preparing the Spiced Apple Filling
While your dough chills, peel and finely chop your apples. I usually mix tart Granny Smiths with sweeter Honeycrisps, which makes the filling balanced and juicy. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and allspice until everything’s evenly coated. This little spice combo gives the pies such a warm, comforting aroma that always makes my kitchen feel like home.
Step 3: Rolling, Filling, and Folding
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/6-inch thick. Using a 4-inch cutter, cut out 12 circles — you may need to re-roll scraps once or twice. Place a tablespoon of that spiced apple filling on one side of each circle. Then brush the edges with egg wash — this helps seal the pies and gives them a beautiful golden finish. Fold each dough circle over the filling and press the edges with a fork to seal tight. Place the pies on your parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them about 2 inches of space so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops with more eggwash and cut three little slits in each pie — this lets steam escape and prevents sogginess. Bake at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes or until the pies turn a gorgeous golden brown. When you pull them from the oven, let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling helps the filling set up and keeps your crust crisp, which I swear makes all the difference!
Pro Tips for Making Mini Apple Pies Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold: I learned the hard way that warm butter ruins flaky crusts — always chill your butter and water for best results.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just a tablespoon of filling per pie to prevent leaks and soggy crust edges, which makes cleanup way easier.
- Double Up on Egg Wash: Brushing both the edges and tops helps create that shiny, golden-brown finish every time.
- Use Parchment Paper: Baking on parchment prevents sticking and makes transferring the pies simple — a must for neat, perfect pies.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top—that classic touch just adds the right amount of sweetness and flair. For special occasions, a dollop of whipped cream or a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side transforms these bite-sized treats into something truly indulgent. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and freshness if you’re feeling fancy!
Side Dishes
These mini pies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea—I’m talking cozy couch vibes! For brunch or dessert, I often serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. If you’re hosting a crowd, mini cheese boards featuring sharp cheddar or tangy goat cheese complement these perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I sometimes arrange these mini pies on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display that feels festive and inviting. Another fun idea is to serve them in little cupcake liners to keep things neat and colorful, especially for kids’ parties. You can even drizzle caramel or melted chocolate over the tops for a decadent touch that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh mini apple pies, wrap leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge. In my experience, they stay delicious for up to four days when refrigerated properly. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving to recapture that fresh-baked joy.
Freezing
I often freeze extra mini pies before baking for last-minute treats. Arrange them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready, just pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time—convenience without losing flavor!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using an oven or toaster oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to restore that crisp crust and warm filling. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some of the crust’s flakiness. This small step makes each bite feel just as delightful as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of apples in this Mini Apple Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
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Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust dough up to two days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roll and bake your pies.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Use just a tablespoon of filling per pie and be sure to seal the edges well using an egg wash and pressing with a fork. This seals the pies tightly and helps keep the juices inside.
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Can I freeze these mini apple pies after baking?
Yes, once baked and cooled completely, wrap them individually or store in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. To reheat, warm in the oven for best texture.
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What’s the best way to achieve a flaky crust?
Keeping the butter cold and not overworking the dough are key. Also, chilling the dough before rolling helps the crust stay tender and flaky.
Final Thoughts
I really can’t recommend this Mini Apple Pies Recipe enough—it’s become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, delicious, and brings everyone together. Whether you’re baking for your family or looking to wow guests with minimal effort, these perfectly sized pies are the answer. So grab some apples, get your hands a little floury, and make some memories with this truly special recipe. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
PrintMini Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini apple pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Apple Pies are delightful, individual-sized treats featuring a flaky homemade crust filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfectly golden and charmingly portable, they make a wonderful dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (151 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons cold water
For the filling
- 2 cups finely chopped and peeled baking apples, about 2 apples
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Make the crust: Combine the flour and salt in a medium mixing bowl, stirring with a whisk until well mixed. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles lentil-sized crumbs. Drizzle the ice water over the mixture and gently toss with a fork to combine. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until it comes together. Flatten into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut dough: On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out to 1/6-inch thickness. Cut out twelve 4-inch circles, rerolling the dough as needed to achieve all pieces.
- Make the filling: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Assemble pies: Place about one tablespoon of apple mixture on one side of each dough circle. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an eggwash. Brush the edges of the dough circles with eggwash, then fold over the dough to create a half-moon shape. Seal edges by pressing with a fork.
- Prepare for baking: Arrange the assembled pies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with remaining eggwash and cut three small slits in the top of each pie for steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the pies are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the pies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Apple choice: Use any baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination for best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Rolling dough: Roll out the dough carefully to prevent it from tearing and keep it well floured to avoid sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini apple pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg