Name: Mini Apple Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed.; ¼ cup sugar.; ½ tsp salt.; ½ cup ice water.; 3 medium apples, peeled and diced.; ¼ cup brown sugar.; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour.; 1 tsp cinnamon.; 1 egg (for egg wash).; 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling).

These mini apple pies are a delightful fall treat, featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with cinnamon-spiced apples. Simple yet delicious, they can be made in a muffin tin for individual servings. The dough is easy to make, and you can customize the sweetness to your preference. The lattice top adds a beautiful touch to these pies, which are perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon. They bake in just 20-25 minutes and are sure to become a favorite autumn dessert.

Mini Apple Pies offer the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie in individual, perfectly portioned treats. These pies are made with a buttery, homemade dough that is rolled out and cut to fit into a muffin tin, making them ideal for sharing at fall gatherings or as an easy dessert option. The filling combines sweet diced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, giving each bite a warm, comforting taste. Finished with a lattice top and baked to a golden perfection, these pies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 2 cups, used for the dough.
Unsalted butter: 1 cup, cold and cubed, for flaky texture.
Sugar: ¼ cup, adds slight sweetness to the dough.
Salt: ½ tsp, to balance the flavors in the dough.
Ice water: ½ cup, to bind the dough ingredients.
Apples: 3 medium, peeled and diced for the filling.
Brown sugar: ¼ cup, sweetens the apple filling.
All-purpose flour: 1 tbsp, to thicken the apple filling.
Cinnamon: 1 tsp, gives the filling warmth and flavor.
Egg: 1, for brushing the tops to create a golden crust.
Sugar: 1 tbsp, for sprinkling on top for extra sweetness.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a muffin tin.
Step 2:: In a bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Add ice water and mix until dough forms.
Step 3:: Roll out the dough and cut into circles, placing each into the muffin tin.
Step 4:: In a separate bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Step 5:: Fill each dough-lined cup with the apple mixture.
Step 6:: Cut remaining dough into strips and create lattice tops for each pie.
Step 7:: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top.
Step 8:: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

These mini pies are best served slightly warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

Helpful Notes

For a variation, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice to the apple filling.
If you don't have a muffin tin, you can use a regular pie dish and make one larger apple pie instead.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Sarah recommends using a mixture of apple varieties to balance sweetness and tartness in your filling.

How to Make Perfect Mini Apple Pies

To ensure your mini apple pies turn out perfectly, keep your dough cold while working with it. This ensures the butter stays firm and creates a flaky texture when baked. Additionally, toss your apples in flour before adding them to the filling; this helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps the crust from becoming soggy.

The Best Apples for Baking Mini Pies

While Granny Smith apples are a popular choice for their tartness and firm texture, consider mixing them with a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji to add depth of flavor to your mini pies.

FAQs

Can I freeze mini apple pies?

Yes! You can freeze the pies before baking. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don't have enough dough for the lattice tops?

You can skip the lattice top and use a simple full-coverage crust with slits for venting steam instead.

Summary

Mini Apple Pies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic apple pie in a bite-sized form. Made with a flaky homemade dough, these pies are filled with a mixture of diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of flour to thicken the filling. The lattice tops give these pies a traditional look, and an egg wash ensures a golden finish when baked. They're ideal for serving at fall gatherings or as a special treat during the holidays. Each pie offers the perfect balance of buttery crust and warm, spiced apple filling. Easy to make and bake in just 20-25 minutes, they will quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen.