Looking for a sweet way to say "I love you" this Valentine's Day? Forget the crowded restaurants and overpriced chocolates. Instead, whip up a batch of Valentine's Day Mini Apple Pies! They're quick to make, surprisingly healthy (apples!), and bursting with warm, comforting flavor. As a busy mom myself, I know how precious time is, and these pies are the perfect way to show your love without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s make this Valentine’s Day special, delicious, and easy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Nana Rose, always made mini apple pies for special occasions. Her kitchen, filled with the scent of cinnamon and warm apples, was the heart of every holiday. While her recipe was a closely guarded secret (one she never shared!), I’ve recreated that same feeling of love and warmth in these Valentine's Day Mini Apple Pies. Each bite is a sweet reminder of her and a way to share some of that joy with those you care about.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash (Optional):
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Roll Out Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough. You'll need two circles for each pie (one for the bottom, one for the top).
- Assemble Pies: Press one circle of dough into each muffin tin (ungreased or lined). Spoon apple filling into each crust. Dot with small pieces of butter.
- Top with Dough: Place another circle of dough on top of each pie. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- (Optional) Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash for a golden-brown finish. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy these delightful Valentine's Day Mini Apple Pies!
Valentine’s Day Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.1/4 cup ice water
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well.3 medium apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Roll Out Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough. You’ll need two circles for each pie (one for the bottom, one for the top).
- Assemble Pies: Press one circle of dough into each muffin tin (ungreased or lined). Spoon apple filling into each crust. Dot with small pieces of butter.1 tablespoon butter
- Top with Dough: Place another circle of dough on top of each pie. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- (Optional) Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash for a golden-brown finish. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.1 egg, 1 tablespoon milk
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy these delightful Valentine’s Day Mini Apple Pies!