Here’s a recipe for Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices 🍎🥧 — soft, sweet, and perfect for a treat!
Chicago-Style Bakery Apple Slices
Ingredients
For the Dough / Base:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
For the Apple Filling:
- 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith or your choice), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Topping / Glaze (Optional):
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add vanilla extract and cold water gradually, mixing until dough comes together.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to release juices.
3. Assemble the Apple Slices
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut into rectangles (about 3×5 inches) or your preferred size.
- Place apple slices in the center of each rectangle. Fold sides over slightly or leave open-faced.
- Optional: Brush edges with beaten egg for a golden finish.
4. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Bakery-Style Flavor
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
- Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking for extra caramelization.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
If you want, I can also give a shortcut version using pre-made puff pastry to make them even more like the classic Chicago bakery style 🥐🍏
Do you want me to do that?
