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Oh, my dear friends, let me take you back to a sun-soaked afternoon in my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was filled with the sweet aroma of baking apples and warm cinnamon. It was here that I first discovered the beauty of Mini Apple Pies. As a little girl, I loved to help her peel apples, and the sound of the knife slicing through the crisp skin was music to my ears. These little pies always felt like a warm embrace, their golden crusts enveloping tender, spiced apple filling. The first bite was a burst of flavor—sweet and spiced in all the right ways.
Every time I make these delightful treats, I’m transported back to those cozy afternoons, laughter echoing against the walls, and my heart swelling with love. I simply adore how this recipe brings everyone together—families gathering at the table, friends sharing a plate, and sweet moments created from a simple dessert. I’m sure you and your loved ones will cherish these Mini Apple Pies just as much as I do, filling your kitchen with warmth and happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Whip these up in no time; you’ll have fragrant treats ready for any occasion!
- Healthy Twist: Made with fresh apples, these pies are a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of spices complements the sweet apples perfectly; you’ll be savoring every bite!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights in—everyone loves a mini pie!
- Customizable: Add your own twists with different fruits or spices—that’s the fun of baking!
Ingredients
- 2 Apples (medium-sized, peeled, cored, and diced): Choose your favorites! Granny Smith adds a tart zing, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness.
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar: For that deep caramel taste; it melts wonderfully with the apples as they cook.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Ah, the classic! This spice brings such a cozy aroma while baking, it’s like a hug in the air.
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a warm depth—it’s like a secret hug from grandma!
- ¼ tsp Allspice: Perfect for a hint of warmth; it’s magical paired with apples.
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger: A little zing goes a long way; this will make your pies pop with flavor!
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances the sweetness, bringing balance to our lovely filling.
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a touch of velvet to your apple filling.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: For a hint of sweet goodness; it’s just the cherry on top of the flavor cake!
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the filling beautifully, so those pies won’t be too runny.
- 1 Package of Premade Pie Dough (contains 2 crusts): Because we’re all about making things easier, and who doesn’t love pie dough?
- All-purpose Flour (for dusting): To keep things from sticking; no one wants a pie that’s stuck to the counter!
- 1 Beaten Egg (for egg wash): Gives that golden, shiny finish to your lovely pies.
- 1 tbsp Milk, Cream, or Water (for egg wash): Adds a beautiful sheen and richness to the crust.
- Additional Coarse Brown Sugar (for sprinkling): A bit of sprinkles before baking adds a delightful crust!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
For Filling
Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into bite-sized pieces. The crisp sound of slicing through the apples brings back memories! Toss those diced beauties in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. It should already smell heavenly!
Create a Cozy Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add your spiced apples and sauté until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and corn starch slurry, and let it thicken for just a couple of minutes. You want a warm, bubbling filling that’s almost too good to resist!
Assembly
Preheat Your Oven: While you’re working on the filling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and toasty for when those pies are ready.
Roll Out the Dough: Dust your counter with a light layer of flour, then unroll the pie dough. Use a round cutter to cut out small circles for your mini pies. Make sure to have enough for both the bottom and topping!
Fill and Assemble: Place the dough circles into greased muffin tins. Add a spoonful of your delicious apple filling into each shell. Don’t be shy; these flavors deserve to shine! Top each with another dough circle, crimping the edges with your fingers or a fork for a neat, cozy look.
Egg Wash Time: Brush the tops with your beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk for that golden finish. Sprinkle coarse brown sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
Baking
- Bake in the Oven: Pop those mini pies into the preheated oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell like paradise, I promise!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a fun-shaped cutter for the tops to give your mini pies a whimsical flair.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness!
- When mixing the filling, taste for sweetness; you can always add a bit more brown sugar if needed.
- Keep an eye on the pies as they bake. Every oven is different, so check for a golden color!
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Up Apples: Add a dash of cardamom or clove for an even more aromatic filling.
- Fruit Blends: Mix in some diced pears or cranberries for a delightful twist!
- Citrus Zing: A bit of lemon zest can brighten the flavor even more.
- Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle in chocolate chips or chunks for a surprising touch!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top—heavenly!
- For a more elegant look, dust with powdered sugar when serving.
- Pair with a warm spiced cider or a cozy cup of chai—your loved ones will be swooning!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble! Baked mini pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, see below!
Leftovers
If you have any leftover mini pies (though I doubt it!), they make a wonderful breakfast treat! Warm them up and enjoy them with a coffee for a cozy, delightful start to your day.
Freezing
Absolutely! Before baking, you can freeze the assembled pies on a baking sheet. Once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
- Oven: Place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Skillet: Heat gently over medium-low, covered, for 5-7 minutes, so they don’t dry out.
- Microwave: For a quick fix, heat in 15-second increments until warmed, but they won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely! You can use a graham cracker crust or even a shortbread crust for a different flavor finish.
What can I use if I don’t have premade pie dough?
No worries! You can make your own pie dough from scratch or use puff pastry for a delightful flaky texture.
How do I know when my pies are done?
Look for a golden crust and bubbling filling. You can also gently press the top; it should feel firm and crisp.
Can I replace the sugar with a sugar substitute?
Certainly! Adjust according to the sweetness level of your chosen substitute, but avoid those that don’t caramelize.
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table, sharing these delightful Mini Apple Pies with those you love, remember the warmth they bring—not just to your taste buds but to your hearts, too. Baking is about creating memories and sharing joy, and I can’t wait for you to experience the cozy magic of these lovely pies. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake something special together! Happy baking, my friends! 🍏🥧✨
Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss those diced apples in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt.
- Create a Cozy Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add your spiced apples and sauté until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract and corn starch slurry, and let it thicken for just a couple of minutes.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: Dust your counter with flour and unroll the pie dough. Cut out small circles for your mini pies.
- Fill and Assemble: Place the dough circles into greased muffin tins. Add a spoonful of apple filling into each shell. Top each with another dough circle, crimping the edges.
- Egg Wash Time: Brush the tops with your beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk. Sprinkle coarse brown sugar on top.
- Bake in the Oven: Bake the mini pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and filling is bubbling.