Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a golden, flaky crust? Mini Apple Pies are the ultimate sweet indulgence that combines cozy flavors, simple prep, and irresistible charm. These hand-held pies are a perfect bite-sized version of the beloved classic, making them ideal for sharing, gifting, or sneaking straight from the tray (we won’t judge!). A fun fact? Apple pie has long been a symbol of home and happiness—so imagine capturing all of that joy in a single serving! These mini pies remind us of our popular Chocolate Chip Cookies—easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because, these little gems are guaranteed to impress. Let’s get baking!
What are Mini Apple Pies?
So, what exactly are Mini Apple Pies? Are they just smaller versions of your grandma’s legendary apple pie? In a way, yes—but with a playful twist! These bite-sized treats deliver all the sweet, gooey, apple-cinnamon goodness of a full pie, wrapped in a perfectly portioned pastry that fits right in the palm of your hand. And honestly, who can resist a dessert that’s as adorable as it is delicious? They’re great for parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights at home. As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—and these mini pies just might win more than a few hearts. Ready to make memories (and a mess in the kitchen)? Let’s get rolling!
Why You’ll Love This Mini Apple Pie Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this Mini Apple Pie recipe, but here are the top three:
1. Bursting with flavor: The star of the show is the juicy apple filling, loaded with warm spices like cinnamon and tucked inside a golden, flaky crust. It’s like autumn in every bite.
2. Budget-friendly and customizable: Making these pies at home is far more affordable than buying from a bakery. Plus, you get to choose your favorite apples, adjust the sweetness, and play with spices or toppings to suit your taste.
3. Deliciously versatile toppings: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar—whatever tickles your taste buds! If you enjoy these, be sure to check out our Homemade Fruit Tarts for another fruity, flavorful adventure.
Now that your cravings are kicking in, let’s get to the good stuff—baking!
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Quick Overview
Mini Apple Pies are surprisingly simple to prepare and deliver bakery-quality results in under 30 minutes. With a prep time of about 10 minutes and a baking time of 20–25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous weekend baking sprees. Each pie offers the ideal blend of soft, spiced apples and flaky crust—no pie slicing required!
Ingredients for Mini Apple Pies
Here’s what you’ll need:
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2 ready-made pie crusts
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3 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples)
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1/4 cup white sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
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1 egg (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin.
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Prepare the filling: Peel and dice your apples into small chunks. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes while you prep the crust.
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Cut the dough: Roll out your pie crusts and use a round cutter (4–5 inches wide) to cut circles. You’ll need two circles for each pie—one for the bottom and one for the top.
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Form the base: Press one dough circle into each muffin tin cavity, pressing up the sides gently to form a shell.
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Add filling: Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into each crust. Don’t overfill—leave a little space at the top.
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Dot with butter: Add a small piece of butter on top of the filling in each pie for added richness.
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Seal the tops: Place the second dough circle over each filled pie and seal the edges with a fork. Cut 2–3 small slits in the top of each for steam to escape.
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Brush with egg wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a shiny, golden finish.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
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Cool: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!
What to Serve Mini Apple Pies With
These mini pies are incredibly versatile. Here are a few tasty pairings to complete your dessert experience:
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A generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
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Homemade whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon
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Warm caramel drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar
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A cozy cup of hot cider or chai tea latte
Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying one as a midnight snack, they’re the perfect sweet finale!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mini Apple Pies
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Mix up your apples: Try a combo of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for a well-rounded flavor.
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Keep the dough cool: If your crust starts to soften, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough = flaky pies!
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Creative crust designs: Use cookie cutters or braid the top crust for a fun and decorative touch.
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Vary the spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Refrigeration: Store cooled pies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Wrap unbaked or baked pies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Bake frozen pies at 375°F for 25–30 minutes. For refrigerated pies, reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Yes! Pink Lady, Fuji, or Braeburn all work well—just aim for a firm texture.
Can I freeze them before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble, freeze, and bake when ready—no thawing needed.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure not to overfill and always vent the top crust to let steam escape.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Sure! Puff pastry will give you a lighter, crispier texture—delicious in its own right.
Conclusion
Mini Apple Pies are everything you love about apple pie—conveniently wrapped up in a cute, individual serving. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one with your evening tea, these tiny treats are bound to become a favorite in your home. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors—they truly are a little taste of joy. Now, it’s time to turn on the oven and let the sweet aroma of baked apples fill your kitchen!
Mini Apple Pies
Equipment
- Muffin Tin
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pieces ready-made pie crusts
- 3 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 piece egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin.
- Peel and dice your apples into small chunks. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let sit for a few minutes while you prep the crust.
- Roll out your pie crusts and use a round cutter (4–5 inches wide) to cut circles. You’ll need two circles for each pie—one for the bottom and one for the top.
- Press one dough circle into each muffin tin cavity, pressing up the sides gently to form a shell.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the apple mixture into each crust. Don’t overfill—leave a little space at the top.
- Add a small piece of butter on top of the filling in each pie for added richness.
- Place the second dough circle over each filled pie and seal the edges with a fork. Cut 2–3 small slits in the top of each for steam to escape.
- Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a shiny, golden finish.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!