Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Mini apple pies recipe delivers all the comfort of classic apple pie in a handheld, individually-portioned format.

These pies have a crisp, buttery crust and a juicy, cinnamon-laced apple filling—ideal for holiday gatherings, lunchbox treats, or dessert buffets.

They’re easy to serve, fun to make, and endlessly customizable with spices, crust styles, or even creative toppings.

With simple steps and pro tips, this recipe ensures consistently golden pies every time, whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer craving that nostalgic pie flavor.

Ingredients Checklist

Start by gathering these key ingredients for a flaky crust and luscious apple filling. Substitutions and allergy-friendly tips are included.

• For the Crust:

  • 1 ¼ cups (155g) all-purpose flour (use gluten-free blend for GF version)

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (use vegan butter for dairy-free)

  • 3–4 tablespoons ice water

• For the Filling:

  • 2 medium apples (about 250g)—Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Gala for sweetness

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)

  • 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries (for extra flavor)

  • Pinch of ground ginger or cardamom (for warmth)

  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash, for golden tops)

  • Turbinado or coarse sugar (for sparkling finish)

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)

• Equipment:

  • Standard 12-cup muffin tin

  • Rolling pin (or wine bottle in a pinch)

  • 3–4 inch round cookie cutter or glass

  • Mixing bowls

  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Careful preparation and shaping are essential for perfect mini apple pies. Follow these structured steps for best results.

• Prepare the Pie Dough:
  In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just holds together when pressed. Do not overwork. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes (up to 2 days). Well-chilled dough yields a flakier crust.

• Prepare the Apple Filling:
  Peel, core, and dice apples into small (pea-sized) cubes for even baking. Toss apples with granulated and brown sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour (or cornstarch), lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir in nuts or dried fruit if using. Let mixture sit 10 minutes to draw out juices—this helps prevent a soggy crust.

• Roll and Cut Dough:
  On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to ⅛-inch (3mm) thickness. Cut out 12 rounds (about 3.5–4 inches diameter) for bases. Gently press each round into the muffin tin cups, ensuring no air pockets. Gather scraps and reroll to make decorative tops—use small cutters for lattice strips or shapes (hearts, stars, or leaves).

• Fill and Top:
  Spoon apple filling into each crust, mounding slightly. Do not overfill, as bubbling juices can cause sticking. Top pies as desired—leave open, cover with full or lattice crust, or add cut-out shapes. For closed pies, cut a small vent in the top for steam to escape.

• Bake:
  Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush crust tops with egg wash (or milk for vegetarian option). Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using. Bake for 22–26 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until crusts are golden and filling is bubbly. Cool in the tin 10 minutes, then loosen gently with a thin knife and transfer to a rack.

• Cool and Finish:
  Let pies cool at least 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar or serving with toppings.

Tips for Perfect Results

A few expert tips can take your mini apple pies from good to bakery-quality.

• Chill Everything:
  Cold butter and dough create the flakiest crust. If your kitchen is warm, chill all equipment briefly.

• Apple Prep:
  Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for complex flavor. Always dice apples small for even cooking.

• Prevent Sogginess:
  Toss apples in sugar and let stand—then drain off any excess liquid before filling pies.

• Crust Varieties:
  For extra crunch, sprinkle ground almonds or graham crumbs on the base before filling.

• Uniform Baking:
  Avoid overfilling to prevent boil-overs. If worried, place muffin tin on a lined baking sheet.

• Golden Color:
  Don’t skip egg wash—it creates shine and helps sugar stick.

• Creative Toppings:
  Lattice or shaped tops make pies extra festive and offer easy steam vents.

Serving Suggestions

These mini apple pies are as versatile as they are adorable. Try these ideas for a polished presentation.

• Warm with Ice Cream:
  Serve pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or salted caramel drizzle.

• On a Dessert Platter:
  Arrange on a platter with fresh mint sprigs, berries, or candied pecans for color.

• At Brunch:
  Pair with whipped cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt.

• For Gifting:
  Wrap cooled pies in parchment or cellophane bags for party favors or holiday gifts.

• Make Ahead:
  Pies stay crisp for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To re-crisp, warm briefly in a 350°F oven.

• Freezing:
  Freeze baked or unbaked (assembled) pies. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the time.

Final Thoughts

Mini apple pies recipe is an invitation to bake, share, and enjoy the coziness of apple pie in a perfectly portioned treat. These pies suit any season, and their portability makes them ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or simple weeknight desserts. With detailed steps, smart substitutions, and plenty of flavor variations, this recipe promises flakiness and sweet apple filling every time. Experiment with shapes, crusts, or even seasonal fruits, and enjoy the endless appeal of homemade mini pies.