Effortless Cinnamon Glazed Apple Pie Bites: The Ultimate Crescent Roll Recipe for Quick Fall Desserts
Imagine the irresistible aroma of warm apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Our Cinnamon Glazed Apple Pie Bites deliver this delightful experience in under 25 minutes, from prep to plate! These delectable little parcels feature sweet, chopped apples, infused with rich brown sugar and classic fall spices, all lovingly encased in a soft, flaky crescent roll crust. Once baked to golden perfection, they’re drizzled with a sweet cinnamon glaze, creating a treat that’s unbelievably simple to make and utterly delicious to devour. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or simply satisfying that craving for a homemade fall dessert, these apple pie bites are a true game-changer.
Forget complicated pie crusts and lengthy baking times. This recipe harnesses the magic of store-bought crescent rolls to bring you a dessert that tastes like it took hours, but actually comes together in minutes. Each bite-sized pastry is a miniature explosion of classic apple pie flavor, offering a comforting warmth that’s ideal for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy moment with a cup of coffee. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unbelievably quick and easy recipe!
Why This Easy Apple Pie Bites Recipe Works Wonders
There are countless reasons why these cinnamon glazed apple pie bites will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Firstly, the sheer simplicity is unmatched. Utilizing readily available ingredients like canned crescent rolls means you bypass the arduous task of preparing dough from scratch. This drastically cuts down on preparation time, making it accessible even for novice bakers or those with limited time.
Secondly, the flavor profile is simply divine. The combination of tender, spiced apples with a buttery, flaky crescent roll creates a harmonious texture and taste that’s reminiscent of a traditional apple pie, but in a convenient, handheld format. The sweet cinnamon glaze adds an extra layer of decadence, elevating these simple bites to a gourmet-like treat. The intoxicating aroma alone, as these little pies bake in your oven, is enough to win over anyone in the vicinity, promising a delicious outcome before they even touch the table.
Furthermore, their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick after-dinner treat, a delightful sweet appetizer for a party, or a comforting accompaniment to your morning coffee on a crisp fall day, these apple pie bites fit the bill. They are portion-controlled, easy to serve, and require no plates or forks, making them ideal for casual get-togethers or on-the-go snacking. Some variations even include dried cranberries, adding a tart counterpoint to the sweet apples, further enhancing their appeal. This recipe truly is a testament to how effortless baking can be while still yielding spectacular results.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Apple Pie Bites
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful apple pie bites is incredibly straightforward. You’ll only need a handful of common pantry staples to create a dessert that tastes far more elaborate than it is. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability of basic ingredients to transform into something truly special. For precise measurements, a full list of ingredients, and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.
To prepare your heavenly apple pie filling, you’ll need fresh apples, which are the star of the show, along with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to create that classic fall spice blend. Unsalted butter is crucial for tossing the apples and brushing the crescent rolls, ensuring a rich flavor and golden-brown finish. For the convenient and flaky crust, a can of Pillsbury crescent rolls is your secret weapon. And finally, for that irresistible sweet topping, powdered sugar, more cinnamon, and a splash of milk will form a smooth, luscious glaze.
Ingredient Insights & Clever Substitution Suggestions
The Magical Dough: Crescent Rolls
DOUGH – The cornerstone of this quick and easy recipe is the humble crescent roll dough. These refrigerated dough sheets are absolute game-changers, revolutionizing how quickly you can whip up both sweet and savory treats. From savory delights like our turkey pepper jack roll-ups to sweet masterpieces like candy cane danish, crescent rolls eliminate the need for laborious dough preparation. Their pre-made, pre-cut nature makes them incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to create flaky, tender pastries in a fraction of the time it would take to make dough from scratch. They bake up beautifully golden and provide the perfect soft, buttery wrapper for our apple filling. While this recipe specifically calls for Pillsbury crescent rolls, most brands of refrigerated crescent dough will yield similar fantastic results. Just ensure you get the seamless sheet or press the perforations together firmly if using the pre-cut triangles to prevent filling from escaping.
Flavorful Filling: Apples and Beyond
FILLING – The heart of these apple pie bites is, naturally, the apple filling. We’ve designed this recipe to be flexible, allowing you to customize it to your preference. Some of our bites feature an all-apple filling, highlighting the pure, sweet-tart essence of the fruit, while others incorporate dried cranberries for an added layer of flavor and texture. Including cranberries introduces a delightful tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar, making them an excellent addition if you enjoy a more complex taste profile. You have complete control over whether to include them; they are a truly delicious optional enhancement. If you opt for cranberries, they can be added directly to the apple mixture during the preparation phase. Don’t stop there with customizations! For an extra crunch and nutty flavor, consider mixing in some finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into your apple filling. A quarter cup of chopped nuts would add a wonderful textural contrast and deepen the overall flavor. You could also experiment with a pinch of allspice or a tiny bit of ground ginger to further enhance the “fall spice” profile, though cinnamon and nutmeg are the primary traditional flavors.
How to Make Quick & Easy Apple Pie Bites
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize each stage of making this delightful recipe. For your convenience, you can also Jump to Recipe at any time to get the printable version of this recipe card, complete with all precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of the page.
- **Prepare Your Workspace and Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when your apple pie bites are ready to bake, leading to an even cook and perfectly golden crust. Line an insulated baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set this prepared baking sheet aside.
- **Create the Spice Blend:** In a small mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until they are well integrated. This spice mixture will coat the apples, infusing them with warm, comforting fall flavors.
- **Butter the Apples:** Take your peeled, cored, and diced apple and place it in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle one tablespoon of the melted unsalted butter over the diced apples. Gently toss the apples until they are lightly coated. This initial layer of butter helps the spice mixture adhere better and contributes to the tender texture of the cooked apples. Remember to set the remaining tablespoon of melted butter aside for later use.
- **Coat the Apples with Spice Mixture:** Now, add the brown sugar and spice mixture to the buttered apples. Toss everything thoroughly until all the apple pieces are evenly and completely coated with the sweet and spicy blend. This ensures every bite of your apple pie has a burst of flavor.
EXPERT TIP – This is the perfect moment to incorporate dried cranberries if you choose to include them! For this recipe, we prepared half of our hand pies with a delightful combination of cranberries and apples, and the other half with just apples for a classic taste. If you’re doing half and half, use 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries for half the apple mixture. If you prefer cranberries in all your pies, add a quarter cup (1/4 cup) of cranberries to the entire apple mixture. Alternatively, for ease when doing half, you can simply sprinkle the cranberries on top of the scooped apple mixture on the crescent rolls.
- **Assemble the Apple Pie Bites:** Unroll your can of crescent rolls directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforations. For each crescent roll triangle, place one heaping tablespoon of your spiced apple mixture (and cranberries, if using) onto the wide end of the triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling difficult and cause filling to leak out.
- **Roll and Seal:** Starting from the wide end where the filling is placed, carefully roll each crescent triangle upwards towards the narrower point. As you roll, gently tuck in any apple filling that may try to escape from the sides. Once rolled, pinch and seal the edges at both ends of the crescent to fully enclose the filling, creating a neat little pocket. Arrange them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Finally, brush the tops of all the rolled apple pie bites with the remaining melted butter. This butter wash will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp exterior.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly between ovens. They are ready when the crescent rolls are puffed up and turn a beautiful golden brown color. The smell of warm apple pie spices will fill your kitchen!
- **Prepare the Glaze and Serve:** While the apple pie bites are baking or cooling, prepare your cinnamon glaze. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and one tablespoon of milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and has a drizzly consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a half teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. Once the pies are golden, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set slightly. Drizzle generously with the prepared cinnamon glaze, if desired, and serve them warm for the ultimate comforting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bites
The best type of apple for this recipe largely depends on your personal preference for sweetness and tartness. You can truly use whatever your favorite apple variety is! For a more tart flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the glaze and brown sugar, Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice. If you prefer a sweeter profile, Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Red Delicious apples will work beautifully. A combination of a sweet and a tart apple can also offer a wonderful depth of flavor. Ensure the apples are firm and crisp, as they will hold their shape better during baking. Always peel and core them, then dice them into small, uniform pieces (about ¼ to ½ inch) so they cook evenly and fit well within the crescent rolls.
If you happen to have any leftovers – which is unlikely, given how delicious these are! – store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, these apple pie bites reheat beautifully. You can warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick reheat, or place them in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the crescent roll. For a conventional oven, reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their flaky texture and warm apple filling.
While these apple pie bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, you can certainly do some prep work in advance. You can prepare the apple filling mixture (diced apples, brown sugar, and spices) up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake. We don’t recommend assembling and rolling the crescent rolls too far in advance, as the dough can become soggy or lose its flakiness. However, if you must, you can assemble them up to a few hours before baking and keep them refrigerated, covered, until ready to bake. You might need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. While apples are classic, you can experiment with other fruits for different delightful variations. Try thinly sliced peaches, pears, or even berries (like blueberries or mixed berries) for a fresh take. If using very juicy fruits, you might want to toss them with a tiny bit of cornstarch (about ½ teaspoon) along with the sugar and spices to help thicken the juices and prevent a soggy bottom. Just be mindful of the moisture content and adjust accordingly.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Apple Pie Bites
These Cinnamon Glazed Apple Pie Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in a multitude of ways to suit any occasion. The simplest and most classic approach is to serve them warm, fresh from the oven, either plain or with our simple, sweet cinnamon glaze generously drizzled on top. The warmth of the spiced apples combined with the buttery crescent roll and sweet glaze is a symphony of comfort and flavor that’s hard to beat.
For a truly indulgent dessert experience, especially if serving these for an evening treat, consider pairing them with a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm pastry creates an exquisite contrast that will delight your taste buds. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. For those who enjoy a richer sauce, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top would be absolutely heavenly, mimicking a classic caramel apple pie.
These individual hand pies are also the perfect size for enjoying alongside your favorite hot beverages. Imagine savoring one with a steaming cup of tea, a frothy latte, or a robust coffee on a cool morning or a relaxed afternoon. They make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads, holiday dessert platters, or even as a unique and delicious snack for school lunches (though they might not last until lunchtime!). Their convenient size means they’re easily portable and mess-free, making them an ideal treat for any time of day.
More Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Apple Hand Pies
- Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Blueberry Hand Pies
- Crescent Danish Wreath
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Pastries
- Apple Bread
- Air Fryer Baked Apples
- Apple Crumble
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Apple Pie Bites
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 small-medium apple peeled, cored and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, divided
- 2 Tablespoons dried cranberries optional, see notes below
- 8 ounces Pillsbury crescent rolls 1 can
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar gently packed
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk or more if needed
Things You’ll Need
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Insulated baking sheets
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Wire cooling racks
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- As stated above, we chose to do half of our hand pies with cranberries and apples and half with just apples. Use 2 Tablespoons to do half the recipe with cranberries OR 1/4 cup cranberries for all of the pies. You can also simply sprinkle the cranberries on top of the scooped apple mixture if only doing half with cranberries.
- You can use whatever your favorite type of apple is for this recipe. Some prefer to use Granny Smith for tartness, while others prefer a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, or Red Delicious.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Line insulated baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
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Toss diced apple with ONE tablespoon of the melted butter. Set remaining butter aside.
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Combine the buttered apples with the brown sugar mixture. Toss until apples are coated well. TIP – If you would like to include cranberries in your pies, add them during this step. We chose to do half of our hand pies with cranberries and apples and half with just apples. Use 2 Tablespoons to do half the recipe with cranberries OR 1/4 cup cranberries for all of the pies.
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Working on the baking sheet, separate crescents into triangles. Place one heaping tablespoon of apple mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Starting at the wide end, roll the crescent up. Tuck in any filling that may have fallen out and seal the edges at both ends. Brush each pocket with remaining butter.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pockets are golden brown.
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Combine glaze ingredients until smooth. Remove pockets from oven and cool 5 minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle with cinnamon glaze, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.