Chicago-style bakery apple slices are a beloved treat that captures the essence of traditional Midwestern baking

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into rectangles roughly 3×5 inches each.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Slices

1. Spoon a generous amount of apple filling onto one half of each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Fold the dough over to cover the apples, forming a sealed rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
3. Optional: cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Add Topping

1. For a crumb topping: mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over each apple slice.
2. For a glaze: wait until the slices are baked, then drizzle powdered sugar mixed with milk over the warm pastries.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the apple slices on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm or at room temperature. Chicago-style bakery apple slices pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tender pastry, combined with cinnamon-spiced apple filling, makes every bite a reminder of classic Midwestern baking traditions.

Tips for the Perfect Slice

• Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.
• Chill the dough well; it ensures a flaky, tender pastry.
• Don’t overfill; too much filling can make the pastry soggy.
• Experiment with toppings: a simple sugar glaze or crunchy streusel works beautifully.

Chicago-style bakery apple slices are more than just dessert—they’re a piece of Midwestern heritage. Making them at home is easy and incredibly rewarding, letting you bring the comforting flavors of a Chicago bakery straight to your kitchen.

If you want, I can also make a visual step-by-step guide with images for each step, so it looks like a bakery recipe card. It would be super helpful for first-time bakers. Do you want me to do that next?