Apple-Filled Pastries: A Sweet And Delightful Treat

Apple-Filled Pastries: A Sweet and Delightful Treat

Table of Contents

Servings: 10-12 pastries
Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 kcal
Total Time: 45 minutes

Peel and Dice the Apple: Start by peeling the apple, removing the core, and cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a smooth filling.
Caramelize the Apple: In a non-stick pan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apple, 2 tablespoons of stevia sweetener (or granulated sugar), and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir to combine.
Cook the Filling: Allow the apple mixture to cook over medium heat until the apples are tender and the sugar has caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once caramelized, remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool completely before using.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, break the egg and whisk it lightly. Add a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar, and 2 tablespoons of stevia sweetener (or 1/4 cup granulated sugar). Mix well until fully combined.
Incorporate Milk and Butter: Pour in the milk and the melted butter, whisking to combine. This mixture should be smooth and uniform, providing the base for the dough.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 00 flour to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until the dough starts to come together. It should be soft yet firm enough to handle.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently with your hands, incorporating any remaining flour until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. This step ensures a tender and pliable dough, perfect for rolling and shaping.

Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3-4 mm).
Cut Out Rounds: Use a round cutter, about 3 inches (7-8 cm) in diameter, to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll any scraps to make additional rounds.
Fill the Pastries: Place a small spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough round. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastries to burst open during baking.
Seal the Edges: Fold each round in half to encase the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or use a fork to seal the pastries, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart to allow for even baking.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you finish shaping the pastries.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are lightly golden and puffed.
Cool: Once baked, remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them firm up and develop their final texture.

Dust with Icing Sugar: Just before serving, dust the pastries with a light sprinkling of icing sugar for a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Serve: Enjoy these apple-filled pastries warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, which hold their shape well during cooking and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Seal Well: Ensure the edges of the pastries are sealed properly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. A little water or beaten egg can be used along the edges to help seal the dough.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to increase the amount of stevia or sugar according to your taste.