Dumplings with apples

I have often made these little apple pastries with puff pastry when I have some leftover apples in the fridge or when I crave something sweet quickly. I always prepare them with what I have on hand, but the base remains the same: puff pastry and a decent apple.

Quick Info

Total time: about 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes (may vary slightly, depending on the oven)
Servings: 10 pieces (depending on the size of the cutouts)
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: quick dessert, also suitable for snacks

Ingredients

1 package of puff pastry (mine is 400g, but any standard package works)
1 apple (medium)
Orange jam (or any jam of your choice)
Cinnamon (just a pinch)
Lemon juice (for the apples)
1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon of milk (for brushing)
Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation method

1. Take the puff pastry out of the fridge and let it soften slightly at room temperature so it doesn't break when you work with it.

2. Wash the apple, cut it in half, remove the core, and then slice it thinly, but not too thin. It's best if the slices aren't too thick, so they don't force the puff pastry when folding.

3. Put the apple slices in a bowl. Squeeze a little lemon juice over them and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Gently mix.

4. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a glass or round cutter to cut out circles – I got 10 pieces from one package, but it depends on the size of the circles.

5. On half of each circle, place a teaspoon of jam and a slice of apple. Don't overload them, otherwise, they may break when closed or leak onto the tray.

6. Fold each circle over the filling, like a semicircle, and press the edges well with your fingers or a fork to seal the pastry.

7. Place the pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the egg yolk mixed with milk.

8. Put the tray in the preheated oven at 180 degrees and let them bake for about 30 minutes or until they are nicely golden. If you have a stronger oven, you can check after 25 minutes.

9. Remove the tray and let the pastries cool. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Why I make the recipe often

I like it because it doesn't require much work or special ingredients. It's the kind of dessert where you can quickly use up leftover fruit or any jam you have open. The puff pastry shortens the time, and the pastries remain good even after cooling.

Tips and variations

Tips

Don't cut the apple slices too thick, so the pastry doesn't break when folding.
Use as little filling per piece as possible, otherwise, you risk it leaking in the oven.
Press the edges well, so they don't open while baking.
If you have time, you can chill the pastries for 10 minutes before baking for a nicer rise.

Substitutions

The apple can be replaced with pears, quinces, or plums.
Orange jam can be swapped for any slightly sour jam – apricots, sour cherries, plums.
For those who do not want cinnamon, it can be omitted without issues.

Variations

You can use only jam inside, without fruit.
If you don't have round cutters, cut the pastry into squares and fold them diagonally.
Try different combinations of fruits and jams, depending on the season.

Serving ideas

They are good plain, but can also be served with a glass of milk or tea.
If you want them as a more special dessert, add a spoonful of whipped cream or ice cream next to the pastries.

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of puff pastry should I use – with butter or classic?
Any is fine. I use regular store-bought puff pastry.

2. Can I make the pastries a day in advance?
Yes, but they are fresher on the day they are made. The next day, they become slightly drier but are still good.

3. Can I use brown sugar or honey instead of powdered sugar for decoration?
Powdered sugar adheres better, but brown sugar works too, it just doesn't stick as well.

4. Can I replace the egg yolk with something else for brushing?
You can use just milk, but they won't have the same glossy color.

5. Why do the pastries sometimes open while baking?
The edges weren't pressed enough or they had too much filling.

Nutritional values

Approximately, one pastry (out of 10 pieces) has around 140-160 kcal, with variations depending on the jam and pastry. Most calories come from the pastry and jam. Carbohydrates: approx. 20g/piece, fats: 6-7g, proteins: 2g. These are rough estimates.

Storage and reheating

The pastries store well at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered loosely. They can be reheated for 3-4 minutes in the oven, not in the microwave, so they don't get too soft. If you want to keep them longer, it's better to freeze them and reheat directly from the freezer, but the texture won't be the same. They are freshest when made.

 Ingredients: 1 package of puff pastry, 1 apple, orange jam, cinnamon, lemon juice, 1 egg yolk + 1 tablespoon of milk for brushing, powdered sugar

 Tags:  dumplings with apples