Jam-Filled Mini Pies: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

Introduction

Jam-filled mini pies are one of those simple yet delightful desserts that bring a smile to anyone’s face. These adorable little pies are packed with sweet, tangy jam, wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry shell, and baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a picnic, or enjoying an afternoon tea, these mini pies are always a hit.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these delicious jam-filled mini pies, from the origin of the recipe to step-by-step instructions, variations, and even troubleshooting tips. So, let’s dive right into the world of mini pies, and learn how to create these little bundles of joy that are perfect for any occasion!

What is Jam-Filled Mini Pies?

Jam-filled mini pies are small pastries that consist of a delicate pastry dough filled with a generous amount of fruit jam or preserves. They are typically baked in muffin tins or mini pie pans, which gives them their adorable individual portions. The pastry is crisp and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet, sticky filling. The variety of jams you can use—from classic strawberry to exotic flavors like fig or peach—allows you to get creative and customize these pies to suit your taste.

These mini pies are great for any gathering, and their small size makes them easy to serve and enjoy. They’re a popular choice for bake sales, tea parties, or even as a fun after-school treat. Plus, they store well, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting to friends and family.

The Origin of Jam-Filled Mini Pies

The origins of jam-filled pies can be traced back to traditional European baking, where pastries made with fruit preserves were a common way of preserving fruits. These pies, often referred to as “fruit turnovers” or “hand pies,” have been popular for centuries, especially in countries like France, Germany, and England.

While the exact origins of mini pies are unclear, the idea of individual-sized fruit-filled pastries gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, where they became a common snack or dessert. In the modern era, these pies have been adapted to a variety of forms, with many people experimenting with different fruit jams, dough types, and decorative crusts.

Ingredients for Jam-Filled Mini Pies

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create your very own jam-filled mini pies. Make sure you gather everything before starting the process.

For the Pastry:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Filling:

• 1½ cups high-quality jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or pearl sugar
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Muffin tin or mini pie pans
• Rolling pin
• 4-inch round cookie cutter (or large glass)
• 3-inch round cookie cutter (for tops)
• Small star or heart-shaped cutters (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions and Preparation Method

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the process of making these delicious jam-filled mini pies.

Make the Pastry:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.
4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and form each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix jam and cornstarch: In a small bowl, stir together your choice of jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth. This will help thicken the jam and keep it from leaking during baking.
2. Add vanilla: If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now. Set the filling aside.

Assemble the Mini Pies:

Prep:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease the muffin tin: Grease a muffin tin or mini pie pans with butter or non-stick spray.

Roll and Cut:

1. Roll out the dough: Take the first disk of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.
2. Cut the dough: Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a large glass, cut 12 circles for the bottom crust of each mini pie.
3. Place the dough circles: Press the dough circles gently into the muffin cups, allowing for a slight overhang.
4. Cut tops for the pies: Roll out the second disk of dough and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut 12 smaller circles for the top crust. You can also use small cookie cutters to cut decorative shapes for the tops, such as stars or hearts.

Fill and Seal:

1. Add the filling: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the jam mixture into the center of each pastry-lined muffin cup.
2. Place the top crust: Carefully place the smaller dough circles over the jam-filled cups. Gently press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
3. Vent the pies: Use a sharp knife to cut small vents in the tops of the pies to allow steam to escape during baking.

Bake the Mini Pies:

1. Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with milk or cream to make the egg wash.
2. Brush the tops: Use a pastry brush to gently coat the tops of the pies with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
3. Bake the pies: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Cool the pies: Let the mini pies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations for Jam-Filled Mini Pies

One of the best things about jam-filled mini pies is the ability to customize them. Here are a few variations to inspire your baking:

Different Jams:

• Classic: Go with traditional flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot for a nostalgic treat.
• Exotic: For something a little different, try fig, blackberry, or peach jam.
• Seasonal: During fall and winter, you can use seasonal jams like apple butter, pumpkin butter, or cranberry.

Pastry Options:

• Cream Cheese Pastry: Swap ¼ cup of the butter for cream cheese to create a rich and tangy dough.
• Sweet Pastry: Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the dough for a sweeter, dessert-like crust.
• Whole Wheat: For a heartier option, substitute ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Decorative Tops:

• Lattice Crust: Cut strips of dough and weave them over the jam filling for a classic lattice look.
• Cut-Out Shapes: Use small cookie cutters to create fun shapes in the top crust for a more whimsical appearance.
• Crumb Topping: Make a simple streusel topping by mixing flour, butter, and sugar, and sprinkle it over the top before baking.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie dough instead of making your own.

Can I freeze these mini pies?
Absolutely! These pies freeze beautifully. After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Be sure not to overfill the pies, and make sure the edges are sealed tightly. Additionally, you can pre-bake the bottom crusts for 5 minutes before adding the filling.

Conclusion

Jam-filled mini pies are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and fun. With their flaky pastry crust and sweet, fruity filling, they are sure to become a favorite dessert in your repertoire. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these little pies are sure to impress.

With the variations we’ve outlined, you can experiment with different flavors and techniques to create your own signature jam-filled mini pies. So, roll up your sleeves, get your ingredients ready, and bake a batch of these delicious, jam-filled treats today!

 Jam-Filled Mini Pies: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Jam-filled mini pies are small pastries that consist of a delicate pastry dough filled with a generous amount of fruit jam or preserves. They are typically baked in muffin tins or mini pie pans, which gives them their adorable individual portions. The pastry is crisp and flaky, providing the perfect contrast to the sweet, sticky filling. The variety of jams you can use—from classic strawberry to exotic flavors like fig or peach—allows you to get creative and customize these pies to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pastry:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups high-quality jam or preserves (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For Finishing:

• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or pearl sugar

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Muffin tin or mini pie pans

• Rolling pin

• 4-inch round cookie cutter (or large glass)

• 3-inch round cookie cutter (for tops)

• Small star or heart-shaped cutters (optional)

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Instructions

Make the Pastry:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.

3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly.

4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and form each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Mix jam and cornstarch: In a small bowl, stir together your choice of jam, cornstarch, and lemon juice until smooth. This will help thicken the jam and keep it from leaking during baking.

2. Add vanilla: If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in now. Set the filling aside.

Assemble the Mini Pies:

Prep:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease the muffin tin: Grease a muffin tin or mini pie pans with butter or non-stick spray.

Roll and Cut:

1. Roll out the dough: Take the first disk of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness.

2. Cut the dough: Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a large glass, cut 12 circles for the bottom crust of each mini pie.

3. Place the dough circles: Press the dough circles gently into the muffin cups, allowing for a slight overhang.

4. Cut tops for the pies: Roll out the second disk of dough and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut 12 smaller circles for the top crust. You can also use small cookie cutters to cut decorative shapes for the tops, such as stars or hearts.

Fill and Seal:

1. Add the filling: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the jam mixture into the center of each pastry-lined muffin cup.

2. Place the top crust: Carefully place the smaller dough circles over the jam-filled cups. Gently press the edges to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.

3. Vent the pies: Use a sharp knife to cut small vents in the tops of the pies to allow steam to escape during baking.

Notes

These mini pies are perfect for parties, picnics, or lunchbox treats! Try different jam flavors like raspberry, apricot, or blueberry to mix things up—or even add a spoonful of cream cheese or Nutella for a fun twist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini pie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: Low

Keywords: Jam-Filled Mini Pies