Mini Apple Pies

Short Description

These golden, flaky mini apple pies are filled with spiced apples and finished with a crunchy sugar topping. Perfectly portioned and easy to make with premade pie dough, they bring all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie in a handheld treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini apple pies are the ultimate fall and holiday dessert. They’re quicker and simpler than a full pie, require no special baking skills, and are great for sharing. With warm spices, tender apples, and buttery crust, these little pies are comforting, festive, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Filling

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground ginger
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Assembly and Baking

1 package premade pie dough (2 crusts)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 beaten egg
1 tbsp milk, cream, or water
Coarse brown sugar, for sprinkling

Directions

Make the Filling

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, salt, butter, and vanilla. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until apples soften slightly.
2. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Assemble the Pies

3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. On a floured surface, unroll pie dough. Cut out circles with a round cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed. Ensure you have an even number of circles.
5. Place half the circles on the baking sheet as bottoms. Add 1 tablespoon apple filling to each.
6. Cut small slits in the remaining circles and place them over the filling. Seal edges with a fork.
7. Mix egg with milk (or cream/water) to make egg wash. Brush over tops.
8. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until pies are golden brown and filling is bubbly.
10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 mini pies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Variations

• Add dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for extra sweetness.
• Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use puff pastry instead of pie dough for a lighter, flakier crust.
• Replace apples with pears for a different seasonal twist.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside for caramel apple pies.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar instead of coarse sugar.
• Use apple pie spice in place of individual spices for convenience.
• Make them in muffin tins for a deeper, rounder mini pie.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for an adult version.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Freeze unbaked pies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to bake time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie dough?

Yes, homemade dough works perfectly and adds extra flavor.

What apples are best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I keep the pies from leaking?

Seal edges tightly with a fork and don’t overfill with apple mixture.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but homemade filling gives the best flavor and texture.

Do I have to cook the apples first?

Yes, pre-cooking ensures the apples are tender and the filling thickens properly.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie dough.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use extra pie dough and filling.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling gives a smoother texture, but leaving the skins on works if you prefer a rustic pie.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

If storing for more than 2 days, refrigerate to keep them fresh.

Conclusion

Mini Apple Pies are a delightful, bite-sized version of the classic dessert. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and golden sugar topping, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy nights when you want all the flavor of apple pie without the fuss.

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