Apple Pie Pastry Bites Recipe: Easy and Delicious Mini Treats

These delightful apple pie pastry bites are a perfect treat for apple lovers and are great for parties, gatherings, or an afternoon snack. With a flaky crust and a warm, spiced apple filling, these bites give you all the flavors of classic apple pie in a mini form. They’re quick to prepare, visually appealing, and utterly delicious!

Ingredients

To make around 12-15 apple pie pastry bites, you will need:

For the Dough:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Alternatively, you can use pre-made pie dough to save time.

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)
• 1 tablespoon water

For Garnishing:

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to work with.

If you’re using pre-made dough, take it out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature for easy handling.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to coat the apples in the spices and butter.
3. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. If the filling looks too liquid, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add it to the apples and cook for an additional 2 minutes to thicken.
5. Remove the filling from heat and let it cool slightly before assembling the pastry bites.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles about 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to get about 12-15 rounds, depending on the size of your cutter.
4. Place the circles on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Pie Pastry Bites

1. Place a small spoonful of the apple filling onto one side of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as it may be difficult to fold.
2. Gently fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, lightly pressing the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch if you like.
3. Repeat with all the dough circles until you have a tray full of mini apple pies.

Step 5: Bake the Pastry Bites

1. Bake the apple pie pastry bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the bites have cooled slightly, dust them with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Pastry Bites

1. Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe, as they balance well with the sweetness of the sugar and spices.
2. Add Extra Flavor: For a unique twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple filling.
3. Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to seal the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
4. Glaze Option: Brush the tops of the pastries with a bit of egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) before baking for a beautiful golden color.
5. Freeze for Later: These pastry bites freeze well. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

• These apple pie pastry bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For added indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a caramel apple pie flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover apple pie pastry bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: If you’d like to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.