🎉 Introduction
Nothing captures the feeling of love and comfort quite like Valentine’s Day Apple Pies. Warm, cozy, and filled with gently spiced apples, these mini heart-shaped pies turn a timeless dessert into something charming and meaningful. They’re sweet without being overwhelming, nostalgic yet playful, and perfect for celebrating special moments with the people you care about.
These individual apple pies are designed to be easy to serve, beautiful to present, and deeply satisfying. With tender apple filling, buttery pastry, and a golden finish, they deliver all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a festive, hand-held form. Whether you’re baking for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a themed dessert table, these pies are guaranteed to steal hearts.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To make these Valentine’s Day apple pies, you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or apple peeler
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Optional but helpful:
- Small saucepan
- Bench scraper
🛒 Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Cold water, as needed to form dough
For assembly:
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, for finishing
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to allow flavors to develop.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until a dough forms.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it lightly, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Chilling helps create flaky pastry.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut an even number of hearts.
Step 5: 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, leaving space around the edges.
Step 6: Seal
Place remaining dough hearts on top. Press edges gently with a fork to seal.
Step 7: Egg Wash
Beat the egg lightly and brush the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and slightly puffed.
Step 9: Cool and Finish
Allow pies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8 mini pies
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the oven at low heat to maintain crispness
- Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky
🥄 Variations
Customize these Valentine’s Day apple pies easily:
- Extra Cinnamon Version: Add a pinch more cinnamon
- Chunky Filling Version: Use larger apple pieces
- Crispier Crust Version: Bake an additional 2–3 minutes
- Mini Hand Pie Version: Cut smaller hearts for bite-sized pies
❓ 10 FAQs
- Why use Granny Smith apples?
They hold their shape and balance sweetness well. - Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, up to one day in advance. - How do I prevent leaking?
Avoid overfilling and seal edges well. - Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, though homemade gives better texture. - Do these pies freeze well?
Yes, freeze unbaked pies and bake when needed. - How do I get a shiny finish?
Egg wash creates a golden, glossy top. - Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re soft, sweet, and easy to eat. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just work in batches. - What makes them Valentine-themed?
The heart shape and individual presentation. - Should they be served warm or cool?
Warm is best for maximum comfort.
🏁 Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day Apple Pies are the perfect way to show love through baking. With warm spiced apples and flaky pastry wrapped into charming heart shapes, they feel thoughtful, nostalgic, and irresistibly comforting. Simple to make yet beautiful to serve, they’re a dessert that truly comes from the heart.
Valentine’s Day Apple Pies – Mini Heart-Shaped Classics Filled with Warm Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside to allow flavors to develop.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it lightly, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Chilling helps create flaky pastry.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut an even number of hearts.
- Place half of the hearts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center of each, leaving space around the edges.
- Place remaining dough hearts on top. Press edges gently with a fork to seal.
- Beat the egg lightly and brush the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Allow pies to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
They hold their shape and balance sweetness well. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, up to one day in advance. How do I prevent leaking?
Avoid overfilling and seal edges well. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, though homemade gives better texture. Do these pies freeze well?
Yes, freeze unbaked pies and bake when needed. How do I get a shiny finish?
Egg wash creates a golden, glossy top. Are these good for kids?
Yes, they’re soft, sweet, and easy to eat. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just work in batches. What makes them Valentine-themed?
The heart shape and individual presentation. Should they be served warm or cool?
Warm is best for maximum comfort. 🏁 Conclusion These Valentine’s Day Apple Pies are the perfect way to show love through baking. With warm spiced apples and flaky pastry wrapped into charming heart shapes, they feel thoughtful, nostalgic, and irresistibly comforting. Simple to make yet beautiful to serve, they’re a dessert that truly comes from the heart.
