Apple and cinnamon pastries are the perfect combination of warm, sweet, and buttery flavors. This recipe is easy to follow and uses ready-made puff pastry to save time while creating a bakery-style treat at home. Serve them warm for a cozy dessert or breakfast option!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, to absorb excess moisture)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and flour (if using).
3. Roll Out the Pastry
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry to a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
- Cut the pastry into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. A 10x10-inch sheet can yield 4–6 pastries.
4. Assemble the Pastries
- Place a few apple slices in the center of each pastry square.
- Fold the pastry edges over the apples to form a rough border. Alternatively, fold into triangles or roll them into turnovers.
- Brush the edges with melted butter for a golden finish.
5. Bake the Pastries
- Arrange the pastries on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Make the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm pastries.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Let the pastries cool slightly before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Tips for the Best Apple and Cinnamon Pastries
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the pastry and sugar.
- Avoid Soggy Pastry: Use flour or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture from the apples.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a more complex flavor.
Variations
- Cheesecake Apple Pastries: Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla under the apples.
- Caramel Apple Pastries: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
- Nutty Apple Pastries: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple filling for crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unglazed pastries for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or in a toaster oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Final Thoughts
These apple and cinnamon pastries are a delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of fall. With their buttery, flaky crust and warm spiced apple filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of homemade comfort! 🍎✨🥐
