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!
