These Valentine’s Day Mini Apple Pies are adorable heart-shaped hand pies filled with warm cinnamon apples and wrapped in flaky golden pastry. They are perfect for Valentine’s parties, dessert trays, lunchbox treats, or gifting to someone special. This recipe is simple, festive, and made with easy ingredients, making it ideal even for beginner bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini apple pies are perfectly portioned and easy to serve.They use simple ingredients you may already have.They look festive without complicated decorating.They can be made ahead of time.They are great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie crusts
- Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or cream
- Pink or red sprinkles (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.Stir until apples are evenly coated and set aside.
Step 2: Cut the Pie Dough
Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut an even number of hearts.
Step 3: Fill the Pies
Place half of the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each heart, leaving space around the edges.
Step 4: Seal the Pies
Place another heart on top of each filled one.Press edges together with a fork to seal.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash
Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg.Use a knife to cut a small slit for steam.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.Let cool slightly before decorating.
Step 7: Decorate
Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze.Drizzle over pies and add sprinkles if desired.
Variations
Use cherry or strawberry pie filling instead of apples
Add caramel sauce to the apple filling
Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of glaze
Use puff pastry for extra flakiness
Tips
Do not overfill the pies or they may leak
Chill assembled pies for 10 minutes before baking for cleaner edges
Cut small vents to release steam
Let pies cool before glazing
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Add to a Valentine dessert board
Wrap individually for gifts
Serve with coffee or hot chocolate
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
FAQs
Can I make these mini apple pies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked a day ahead and stored at room temperature.
Can I freeze Valentine’s Day Mini Apple Pies?
Yes, freeze unbaked pies and bake directly from frozen.
What apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, just chop it finely before using.
Do these need to be refrigerated?
No, they keep well at room temperature for up to two days.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day Mini Apple Pies are a sweet and cozy way to celebrate love. With flaky crust, warm apple filling, and a heart-shaped design, they are guaranteed to impress without extra effort.