Here’s a detailed, unique article on Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices, including a step-by-step guide to make them:

Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices: A Sweet Bite of the Windy City

Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and rich baked goods, but one gem that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike is the Chicago-style bakery apple slice. Imagine a crisp, golden pastry topped with tender cinnamon apples and a glistening caramel glaze. It’s sweet, buttery, and utterly irresistible—a treat that feels like a slice of Chicago’s culinary soul.

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating this iconic bakery dessert at home, you’re in luck. Below is a detailed guide to making Chicago-style apple slices that will impress your friends, family, or even your own sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the pastry:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional topping:

• Chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract and sugar. Slowly incorporate this into the flour-butter mixture until a dough forms. If it’s too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of cold water at a time.
4. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step ensures a tender, flaky crust.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Apple Slices

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
3. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into rectangular slices, roughly 3×5 inches.
4. Spoon a generous amount of apple filling onto each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Fold or crimp the edges slightly to hold the filling in place. Some bakers like to make a lattice top or a simple fold-over style.

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