DescriptionImagine the comforting flavors of apple pie nestled inside a warm, flaky biscuit. These Apple Pie Biscuits are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats, perfect for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Tender biscuits are filled with a spiced apple mixture, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet glaze. They’re easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (start with 1 and add more until desired consistency is reached)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits – Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, leading to a more consistent rise and flavor.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This creates pockets of fat within the dough, which will melt during baking and create flaky layers. It’s crucial to use cold butter to prevent it from melting into the flour and making the biscuits tough.
Step 4: Add the Milk
Gradually add the milk to the flour-butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough biscuits. The dough should be slightly shaggy but not dry.
Step 5: Shape the Biscuits
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1/2-inch thick. Use a round biscuit cutter (or a knife) to cut out biscuits. Try not to twist the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Place the biscuits onto the prepared baking sheet.
Prepare the Apple Filling
Step 1: Sauté the Apples
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. The brown sugar will melt and create a delicious sauce.
Assemble and Bake
Step 1: Top the Biscuits
Spoon a generous portion of the apple mixture onto each biscuit, gently pressing it down into the dough.
Step 2: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Glaze
Step 1: Whisk Together
While the biscuits are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches
Step 1: Drizzle the Glaze
Once the biscuits are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm biscuits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Apple Pie Biscuits are incredibly versatile! They can be served warm for breakfast with a cup of coffee, enjoyed as a sweet afternoon snack, or even served as a delightful dessert topped with vanilla ice cream. The combination of flaky biscuits and spiced apple filling is simply irresistible, offering a comforting and satisfying treat. Plus, they are so easy to make.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm, fresh from the oven.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an added touch of sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Make them for a special occasion, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch.
Tips
- Use cold butter and milk for the flakiest biscuits.
- Don’t overmix the biscuit dough.
- If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, use a sharp knife to cut squares.
- For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top of the biscuits before baking.
- Store leftover biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for a slightly different flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling for a nutty crunch.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Biscuit)
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Protein: Approximately 3g
- Sodium: Approximately 150mg
Conclusion
Apple Pie Biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of apple pie and the satisfying texture of flaky biscuits. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast, a cozy snack, or a delicious dessert, this recipe is sure to please.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
A: Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples are all excellent choices, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Braeburn, Fuji, or even a mix of different apples can add unique flavors and textures to the filling. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the apple’s firmness.
Q2: Can I make the biscuit dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling and cutting. Keep in mind that the longer the dough sits, the more the baking powder will lose its effectiveness, so the biscuits may not rise as high.
Q3: Can I freeze the baked biscuits?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked biscuits. Allow the biscuits to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Q4: I don’t have brown sugar. Can I use white sugar instead?
A: While brown sugar adds a richer, more caramel-like flavor to the apple filling, you can substitute it with granulated white sugar if needed. If using white sugar, consider adding a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor of brown sugar.
Q5: Can I add other spices to the apple filling?
A: Of course! Feel free to customize the apple filling with your favorite spices. A pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or allspice can add depth and warmth to the flavor. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness and enhance the apple flavor.
