Description
Ingredients
Scale
- For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water
- For the filling:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (mix of tart and sweet varieties for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Using a pastry cutter or forks, cut in 1 cup of chilled, diced unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it helps create a flakey texture.
- Slowly add ice water, starting with 6 tablespoons, while mixing until the dough comes together. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of peeled, cored, and diced apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.
- Roll out the dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter or a cup, cut out rounds of dough and place them in greased mini muffin tins, pressing lightly to create a small cup.
- Fill the cups: Heap the prepared apple filling into each dough cup, filling them generously.
- Roll out the second disc of dough and cut out smaller rounds or shapes to place on top of the filled cups, or simply refrain from covering them for an open-faced treat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or a dairy-free alternative, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the treats are out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.
- Enjoy your miniature apple treats warm or at room temperature!