Mini Apple Pies Recipe - Global Gourmet Adventures

If you’re craving a sweet and comforting treat, look no further than this delightful Mini Apple Pies recipe. Bursting with warm cinnamon and juicy apple flavors, these handheld treats are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. With a buttery and flaky crust encasing a delectable apple filling, these mini pies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply treating yourself, these Mini Apple Pies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite. Get ready to savor the taste of fall in every delicious mouthful!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make delicious mini apple pies, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup ice water
2 cups diced apples
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you begin, so you have everything you need.

Crust Preparation

To start making your mini apple pies, you will first need to prepare the crust. Follow these steps:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. This will give your crust a nice flavor and texture.
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. The cold butter will make the crust flaky and delicious.
Using a pastry cutter or your hands, combine the butter and flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process will help distribute the butter evenly throughout the crust.
Pour in the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disc. This will make it easier to roll out the dough later.
Wrap the discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to work with and will also help prevent shrinkage during baking.

Filling Preparation

While the crust is chilling, you can prepare the apple filling. Follow these steps:

In a separate bowl, mix together the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. These ingredients will create a sweet and flavorful filling for your mini apple pies.
Toss the apple mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. This will ensure that each bite of pie is filled with the delicious flavors of apple and spices.
Let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time will bring out the natural sweetness of the apples and allow the flavors to develop.

Preparing the filling in advance will ensure that the flavors are well-balanced and that each mini apple pie is bursting with apple goodness.

Assembly

Once your crust is chilled and your filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the mini apple pies. Follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pies bake evenly and come out golden brown and delicious.
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This will make the dough more pliable and easier to roll out.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. The thinness of the dough will allow the filling to shine and ensure that the crust bakes evenly.
Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled dough. The size of the circles will depend on how big you want your mini apple pies to be.
Repeat the process with the second disc of dough. This will give you the required number of pie crusts for the filling.
Place half of the dough circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will be the bottom crust of each mini apple pie.
Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst during baking.
Place another dough circle on top of the filling and use a fork to seal the edges. This will create a beautiful and secure seal for your mini apple pies.
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg wash. This will give them a shiny and golden appearance once baked.
Make a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape. This will prevent the pies from becoming soggy and ensure that the filling is cooked properly.
Bake the mini apple pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the pies and adjust accordingly.
Allow the pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to handle them and prevent any burnt tongues from eager pie enthusiasts.

Optional Toppings

To take your mini apple pies to the next level, consider adding some optional toppings:

Powdered sugar for dusting: Dusting your mini apple pies with powdered sugar will add a touch of elegance and sweetness. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your pies.
Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the top of your mini apple pies will add a rich and indulgent flavor. The combination of sweet apples and caramel is a match made in dessert heaven.
Vanilla ice cream: Serving your warm mini apple pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the ultimate treat. The creamy and cool ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm and spiced apple filling.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mini apple pie experience.

Storage

If you have any mini apple pies left (which is unlikely!), here are some tips for storing them:

Allow the mini apple pies to cool completely before storing. This will prevent condensation and keep the crust crisp.
Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will ensure that they stay fresh and delicious.
For longer storage, place the pies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. This will allow you to enjoy your mini apple pies at a later date.

Proper storage will help maintain the quality and taste of your mini apple pies, allowing you to savor them even days or months after baking.

Serve and Enjoy

Now that your mini apple pies are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some tips for serving your mini apple pies:

Dust the mini apple pies with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and elegance. It will make your pies even more visually appealing.
Drizzle them with caramel sauce for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the sweet apples and rich caramel is simply divine.
Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The warm pies and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.