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Mini apple pies deliver everything you love about a classic apple pie in a hand-held little bundle. With spiced apple filling and flaky crust in every bite these mini treats are so fun to make and always disappear fast at family gatherings or cozy nights in.
My kids love helping make these and they vanish right off the tray. I started making them for school bake sales and now they are always requested for birthdays and holidays.
Ingredients
- Apples: Choose firm tart apples for the best flavor Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and stay juicy
- Brown Sugar: Brings molasses depth and keeps the filling from tasting flat
- Ground Cinnamon: Classic apple pie spice pick a freshly opened jar for best aroma
- Ground Nutmeg: Gives a warm mellow spice that complements the apples
- Allspice: Adds a subtle earthy note that boosts the other spices
- Ground Ginger: Lends a gentle warmth and lifts the filling
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors
- Unsalted Butter: Makes the filling glossy and a little rich
- Vanilla Extract: Makes every bite fragrant use pure vanilla for the best result
- Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the apple filling so it does not run out
- Premade Pie Dough: Ensures the crust is tender and flaky with no fuss about homemade dough
- All Purpose Flour: For dusting your work surface and preventing sticky dough
- Egg Wash: Beaten egg plus milk or water makes the crust golden and shiny
- Coarse Brown Sugar: Optional but gives a sparkly crispy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Dice peeled and cored apples into small uniform pieces for even cooking. In a medium saucepan combine apples brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg allspice ginger salt vanilla and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes stirring gently until the apples are starting to soften and look glossy. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir for a minute until the mixture thickens up then set aside to cool slightly.
- Cut and Shape the Dough:
- On a lightly floured countertop unroll one crust and use a round cutter to make circles about three inches wide. Try to get as many circles as possible from each sheet re-rolling scraps if needed. You will need a matching set of tops and bottoms for each mini pie.
- Assemble the Mini Pies:
- Lay half the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet as the bases. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into the center of each. Top each with another dough circle that has small slits cut in the middle to vent steam.
- Seal and Egg Wash:
- Use a fork to press around the edges of your pies so the filling does not seep out. In a small bowl whisk together your egg and milk or water for a shiny egg wash. Brush the tops of the pies lightly and finish with a sprinkle of coarse brown sugar if you have it.
- Bake to Golden:
- Slide your sheet tray into a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the pies are deeply golden brown and you see some bubbling filling. Let cool a few minutes for the filling to firm up.
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Using tart apples is my favorite trick because it balances the sweetness and gives every mini pie a bright apple pop. My favorite version is with Honeycrisp apples after a weekend trip to the orchard where my kids helped pick them. It is become a family ritual every fall.
Storage Tips
Mini apple pies will keep at room temperature for up to two days covered loosely so the crust stays crisp. For longer storage refrigerate in a sealed container for up to four days. Warm them in a low oven or toaster oven before serving to reactivate that flaky crust.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar or white sugar if you prefer a lighter taste. For a gluten free version seek out ready made gluten free pie crust and check your cornstarch brand. Feel free to add dried cranberries or chopped walnuts into the filling for variation. Use plant-based butter and a milk substitute to make these dairy free.
Serving Suggestions
Serve mini apple pies on a tray dusted with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if serving indoors. For parties set out a dish of caramel sauce for dunking and watch them disappear.
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Cultural and Historical Context
The apple pie is an icon of American baking and making them mini is a tradition in many homes for fairs church socials and picnics. Bite sized pies were once made for easy travel in lunch pails or as pocket pies for field workers. This recipe honors that history by making the comfort of apple pie easy to enjoy anywhere.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness in the filling.
- → Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely—homemade pie dough works wonderfully and lends an even flakier crust for these treats.
- → How do I achieve a crisp, golden finish?
Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar just before baking for a beautiful, glossy crust.
- → Do these keep well for later?
They stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- → Can I make them ahead for parties?
Prepare the pies in advance and reheat briefly in the oven before serving for the best texture and flavor.