Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw according to the package instructions.
- Once thawed, lightly dust your work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry sheets until they are about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on the size you prefer for your apple pastries.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- While your puff pastry is thawing, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces (about 1/2 inch in size).
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still hold their shape.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the apple mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set the apple filling aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pastries
- Lay out your puff pastry squares or rectangles on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into the center of each square, making sure to leave a border around the edges.
- Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle, depending on the shape you cut. Press the edges together using a fork to seal the pastries. You can also create a lattice pattern by cutting thin strips of pastry dough and layering them on top of the filling before sealing.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
Step 4: Bake the Pastries
- Place the apple pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
- For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the pastries. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries using a spoon or piping bag.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Pastries
- Apple Variety: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. You can also experiment with other apple varieties based on your preference.
- Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is thawed but still cold when working with it. This ensures the pastry remains flaky and puffs up nicely in the oven.
- Prevent Soggy Pastries: To prevent the filling from making the pastry soggy, make sure the apple filling is cooled before placing it on the pastry. Also, avoid overfilling.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling according to your taste. Some people like to add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the pastries ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just brush with egg wash right before putting them in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Apple pastries are best enjoyed warm out of the oven. Serve them for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These pastries are also great for special occasions like brunch gatherings, holiday desserts, or afternoon tea.
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