Description
Sweet whispers of romance dance through these Valentine’s Day mini apple pies, capturing hearts with delicate pastry and warm cinnamon spice. Lovers will savor each miniature bite, discovering a delightful dessert that promises intimate moments of culinary passion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ice water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Craft a delicate pastry base by whisking flour, salt, and sugar together. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture transforms into grainy, pebble-like crumbs.
- Gradually introduce icy water, gently kneading until a cohesive dough emerges. Encase the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to solidify.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining sliced apples with sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to marinate, intensifying the complex flavor profile.
- Heat the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment for these petite pastries.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, using a circular cutter to create precise 4-inch rounds.
- Carefully spoon the macerated apple mixture onto each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Fold the dough over to create elegant half-moon shapes, meticulously crimping the edges to seal in the luscious filling.
- Brush the exterior with beaten egg, creating a glossy finish, and sprinkle with a delicate layer of sparkling sugar.
- Make subtle slits on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the mini pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until they achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
Notes
- Chilling the dough ensures a flaky, tender crust by allowing the butter to solidify and preventing overworking.
- Letting the apple filling sit helps the flavors meld and creates a more intense, caramelized taste.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour and use cold vegan butter.
- Create heart-shaped pies by cutting dough with a heart cookie cutter for an extra romantic Valentine’s Day touch.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg