Introduction
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about sharing a delightful dessert, especially when it’s made with love. These adorable Mini Apple Pies are not only perfect for Valentine’s Day but can bring a smile to anyone’s face at any time of the year! Bursting with sweet cinnamon apples encased in flaky pie crust, each little pie is a work of art and a bite-sized treasure. So gather your ingredients, and let’s create these sweethearts of the kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon milk
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 mini pies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The enticing aroma of baked goods will soon fill your kitchen!
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Stir gently until the apples are well-coated in this lovely mixture. This will enhance the apples’ natural sweetness and add a delightful burst of flavor.
- Take the first pie crust and roll it out on a clean surface. Use a cookie cutter to cut out small circles that will fit nicely into greased muffin tins.
- Place each pie crust circle into the muffin tin compartments, gently pressing down to create a lovely cup shape ready for the filling.
- Carefully fill each crust with the apple mixture, making sure not to overfill – we want to avoid any spills!
- Roll out the second pie crust and use a smaller cookie cutter to cut out even smaller circles or heart shapes to place on top of the apple filling.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk, creating a shiny glaze that will make your mini pies golden brown and beautiful. Brush this mixture over the tops of your mini pies.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts turn a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Once baked, allow the mini pies to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith apples pair well with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- If you want to kick up the flavor a notch, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture.
- These mini pies store beautifully in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just make sure to reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving for that fresh-baked taste!
Cooking Techniques
When making these mini pies, it’s important to treat the pie crust gently to avoid tearing. If the dough becomes too soft while you’re working with it, simply pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up. This will make it easier to handle and form into cups.
Additionally, ensuring an even distribution of the apple filling will allow each pie to cook uniformly, enhancing the overall enjoyment of each bite!
FAQ
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling a few hours in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the pies.
Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes, these mini apple pies can be frozen! Prepare them as directed, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
With their charming sizes and delicious flavors, these Mini Apple Pies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Perfectly sweet and just the right amount of spice, they make for a delightful dessert or even a heartwarming gift. So whether you’re celebrating love on Valentine’s Day or simply treating yourself and your family, enjoy every bite of this delightful creation. Happy baking!