Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry

Name: Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small apples (finely diced, unpeeled); 1 tablespoon butter (plus 1/4 teaspoon salt if using unsalted); 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or 3 tablespoons if apples are tart); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed; 1 egg mixed with 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash, optional); 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (for dusting)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry—and these Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry bring all the coziness in the most effortless way. Ready in under an hour and made with just five ingredients, this recipe is ideal for quick fall baking, cozy holiday desserts, or fun treats for guests. The best part? No apple peeling required. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, these handheld pies deliver big flavor in bite-sized form.

Why You’ll Love These Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry

These mini apple pies with puff pastry are the perfect combination of rustic charm and irresistible flavor. Each little pie is crafted in a muffin tin, making them naturally portioned, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy. Thanks to the use of store-bought puff pastry and unpeeled apples, this recipe skips the fuss without compromising on texture or taste.

Quick and fuss-free: No peeling, rolling dough from scratch, or complicated steps
Made with just 5 ingredients: Perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings
Crispy, golden crust: Puff pastry delivers that shattering bite every time
Versatile: Easy to adapt with spices, nuts, or dried fruits

Ingredients for Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry

Each ingredient brings something special to this classic, cozy dessert. Here’s how each one contributes to flavor, texture, and overall experience:

Puff Pastry Sheet: Creates the golden, flaky outer crust that encases the filling
Apples: Provide the sweet-tart, juicy base; their texture holds up well when diced and sautéed
Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel note that complements the apples and spices
Butter: Used to sauté the apples, giving richness and slight browning
Cinnamon: A must-have for that iconic apple pie aroma and spice
Powdered Sugar: A finishing touch for sweetness and visual appeal

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

If you’re out of a key item or want to make adjustments for dietary needs, try these simple substitutions or additions to keep your mini apple pies with puff pastry just as delicious:

Coconut Sugar: A natural alternative to brown sugar with a similar depth of flavor
Plant-Based Butter: Use for a dairy-free version
Other Fruits: Swap apples with diced pears, peaches, or plums
Nuts or Dried Fruit: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries for texture and flavor
Warming Spices: Nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom can be used to deepen the spice profile

How to Make Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry

Follow this easy step-by-step method to ensure perfect results every time. Each step includes helpful tips to avoid common pitfalls and bring out the best in your ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease 9 muffin cups in a standard tin.
Make the apple filling: In a skillet, cook diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon on medium-high for 2–3 minutes. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates.
Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out a thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to about 11″x11″. Cut into 9 equal squares.
Assemble pies: Place each pastry square into a muffin cup, gently pressing the dough in so corners hang over the edge. Fill each with 2.5–3 tbsp of apple mixture.
Seal and vent: Fold corners of the dough toward the center and pinch to seal, leaving small gaps for steam.
Brush with egg wash (optional): Beat an egg with water and lightly brush the tops for a golden finish.
Bake: Place in the middle rack for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Cool and finish: Let pies cool on a wire rack for 8–10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

Get the most out of your mini apple pies with puff pastry with these tried-and-true tips that prevent soggy bottoms and elevate your final result:

Keep the pastry cold: Work with chilled dough to avoid tearing and promote flakiness
Dry filling matters: Cook off all juices before assembling to prevent sogginess
Add flour if prepping ahead: A small pinch of flour under the filling in each cup helps absorb moisture if refrigerated before baking
Brush for color: Egg wash adds shine and enhances golden color, but can be skipped if needed
Don’t overfill: Keep the filling at about ¾ full to prevent overflow

Delicious Pairings and Fun Variations

These mini apple pies with puff pastry are incredibly adaptable. Here’s how you can customize, serve, and store them:

Serve with: Vanilla, caramel, or butter pecan ice cream. Add whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish
Top it off: Glaze with icing sugar or maple syrup after baking. Or use extra pastry to cut out decorative shapes to place on top
Spice it your way: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for an aromatic twist
Make-ahead magic: Assemble pies and refrigerate them overnight (with a pinch of flour under the filling). Bake fresh the next day
Freeze for later: Freeze unbaked pies directly in the muffin tin. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes

A Cozy Dessert for Every Occasion

These mini apple pies are more than just a fall treat—they’re ideal for everything from Thanksgiving dinners to last-minute dessert cravings. Their small size makes them perfect for portion control or serving a crowd without slicing or plating. Plus, with the convenience of puff pastry and no peeling, this recipe proves that homemade desserts can be both quick and impressive.

If you’re looking to bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen, Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry are the perfect recipe to have on hand.

Wrapping Up: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry

There’s a reason these Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry are an instant favorite. They’re irresistibly flaky, warmly spiced, and so easy to prepare that even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-level results. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner, gifting them to neighbors, or enjoying a cozy evening treat with tea, these handheld apple pies deliver comfort and elegance with minimal effort.

Thanks to their simple ingredient list, customizable filling, and freezer-friendly nature, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your fall and winter baking rotation. Don’t be surprised if they disappear within minutes—they’re that good.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep puff pastry from getting soggy with apple pie filling?

The key to preventing soggy bottoms in mini apple pies with puff pastry is cooking off the moisture from the apple mixture before adding it to the dough. Be sure to sauté the apples until the juices have fully evaporated. If you’re making the pies ahead of time, add a pinch of flour to the bottom of each muffin cup to absorb excess moisture.

Can I make these mini apple pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the pies, cover the muffin tin with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, no need to adjust the oven temperature—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time. These pies also freeze well unbaked and can be baked from frozen at 375°F for about 30 minutes.

Which apples are best for this recipe?

Firm apples that hold their shape while baking are ideal. Popular choices include Granny Smith (tart and firm), Fuji (sweet and crisp), Gala (mild and aromatic), and Honeycrisp (juicy with a balanced flavor). For a sweet-tart contrast, combine two varieties. Always dice the apples finely so they cook quickly and evenly in the puff pastry.

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Bread with Cinnamon Swirl: This cozy quick bread is packed with warm cinnamon flavor and chunks of tender apples, offering a rustic, comforting treat similar in taste and texture to mini apple pies with puff pastry.
Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread: Sticky, soft, and loaded with cinnamon-sugar goodness, this pull-apart monkey bread echoes the sweet-spiced profile of mini apple pies and is perfect for holiday brunch or dessert.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: A warm, hearty breakfast dish that delivers the same classic apple and cinnamon pairing found in mini apple pies. Great for those who want the flavor of pie in a healthier morning form.