Mini Apple Pies 4.6 ★

How to Make Mini Apple Pies

1. Make the pie dough

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined.

   Cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until pea sized.

   Sprinkle in the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing gently with a fork.

   Stop adding water once the dough holds together when squeezed and looks shaggy, not wet.

   Turn the dough onto plastic wrap, press into two flat disks, and wrap tightly.

   Chill the dough disks in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.

2. Cook the apple filling

   In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy but not browned.

   Add the diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, and stir well.

   Cook, stirring often, until the apples soften slightly and release juices, about 5 to 7 minutes.

   Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apples and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the juices thicken.

   Transfer the filling to a shallow dish and let it cool completely before assembling the pies.

3. Roll out the dough

   Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

   On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk to about 1/8 inch thick.

   Use a 3 to 3 1/2 inch round cutter to cut as many circles as possible.

   Gather the scraps, gently press together, and reroll once more if needed.

   Place half of the circles on the prepared baking sheets as the bottom crusts.

   You should get about 24 circles total, which will make roughly 12 mini pies.

4. Fill and seal the mini pies

   Spoon a heaping tablespoon of cooled apple filling into the center of each bottom circle.

   Brush the edges lightly with water to help the top crust stick.

   Place a second dough circle over each pie and gently press the edges together to seal.

   Crimp the edges with a fork for a tighter seal and a classic look.

   Use a sharp knife to cut a small X or a few slits on top for venting.

5. Add egg wash and sugar topping

   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.

   Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash, then sprinkle generously with coarse sugar.

6. Bake the mini apple pies

   Chill the assembled pies on the baking sheets while you heat the oven to 375°F.

   Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

   Let the pies cool on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes before serving.