Christmas Apple Pillows are a delightful and cozy treat that embodies the warmth of the holiday season. Imagine golden, flaky pastry with a sweet and spiced apple filling that wraps you in comfort. This recipe is not just about flavors; it’s about creating moments that you’ll cherish while sharing these delicious pillows with family and friends. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these melt-in-your-mouth pastries are as lovely to look at as they are to eat.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Apple Pillows
- 1 roll of puff pastry, chilled and rolled out on paper
- 1 medium apple (about 150 g)
- 180 g apple puree (about 3/4 cup)
- 8 g vanilla sugar (1 packet)
- 2 g ground cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 20 g almond slices (about 1/4 cup)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
How to Make Christmas Apple Pillows
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Prepare the Apple Mixture: Start by peeling and grating the apple with a coarse grater. In a bowl, combine the grated apple, apple puree, vanilla sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Roll Out the Puff Pastry: Gently roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring you have a nice flat surface.
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Fill with Apple Goodness: Spread the apple mixture over half of the puff pastry, leaving about 1 cm (around 1/2 inch) from the edges to seal.
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Seal the Pastry: Carefully fold the other half of the pastry over the apple filling. Use your fingers or a fork to seal the edges, pressing down to create a tight closure.
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Egg Wash and Almonds: In a small bowl, whip the egg yolk and brush it over the top of your pastry pillows. Sprinkle almond slices on top for a lovely crunch.
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Make a Decorative Touch: Lightly score the surface of the pastry with a knife, creating a square pattern to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 180-200 degrees Celsius (350-400 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the pillows for 15-20 minutes or until they achieve a lovely golden brown color.
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Cool and Dust: Once baked, allow the cushions to cool slightly. Finish them off by dusting with powdered sugar just before serving.
How to Serve Christmas Apple Pillows
These Christmas Apple Pillows are perfect for serving warm. Place them on a festive platter for an appealing presentation at your holiday gatherings. For a little extra flair, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa to make the experience even more magical!
Expert Tips for Christmas Apple Pillows
- Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor, use a tart apple variety such as Granny Smith. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet apple puree.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly made apple puree is best, but store-bought works well too. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or different spices like nutmeg for a twist on the traditional flavors.
Christmas Apple Pillows: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the apple mixture a day ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Can I freeze the unbaked pillows?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pillows in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Enjoy making and sharing these Christmas Apple Pillows this holiday season. They’re sure to create joyful memories and delicious moments at your table! Happy baking!