Description
These Maple Glazed Apple Cinnamon Pop Tarts combine a flaky homemade pie crust with a sweet and spicy grated apple filling, all topped with a smooth maple and cinnamon glaze. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or a delightful snack, these pastries bring the cozy flavors of fall to your table.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold, cubed
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup ice cold vodka or apple cider vinegar
- 2-4 tablespoons ice cold water
- 1 medium egg
Apple Cinnamon Filling
- 4-5 medium tart apples (Granny Smith), peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
- 1-2 tablespoons cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Dough: Cube the cold butter into 1/4″-1/2″ pieces and chill again for a few minutes to keep firm. Using a pastry blender, two butter knives, or fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture (flour, sugar, salt) until it resembles pea-sized chunks, being careful not to melt the butter.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour the ice cold vodka or apple cider vinegar into the dough, combining with a pastry blender or fork until pea-sized chunks form and the dough starts to come together. Test hydration by squeezing a small fistful; add ice cold water 1 tablespoon at a time if dry, just until dough holds together.
- Chill Dough: Form the dough into two disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk into a rectangle about 1/8″-1/4″ thick. Using a ruler and pizza cutter or knife, cut into 4″ x 3″ rectangles. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more rectangles. Chill all rectangles on a lined baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. You should have 24 rectangles.
- Make Apple Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Peel and grate the apples and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble Pop Tarts: Top 12 of the dough rectangles with 1½ – 2 tablespoons grated apple, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar mixture on top, leaving a ½” border around the edges. Lightly brush a bit of cold water around the edges of the dough. Place second 12 rectangles on top and gently press edges to seal. Crimp edges decoratively using the back of a fork.
- Chill Assembled Pop Tarts: Place assembled pop tarts back on the lined baking sheet and refrigerate or freeze for another 30 minutes to firm up before baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk the medium egg with a dash of water in a small bowl.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Remove chilled pop tarts and lightly brush the tops with egg wash using a pastry brush. Bake on middle rack until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking for even color.
- Cool Pop Tarts: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: Sift powdered sugar and cinnamon into a medium bowl. Whisk in maple extract and 1-2 tablespoons of cream until the glaze has a thick but pourable consistency, similar to slow molasses.
- Glaze and Set: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of glaze onto each cooled pop tart and spread to edges with the back of a spoon or small spatula. Allow glaze to set before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Use ice cold liquids and butter to ensure a flaky pastry crust.
- Vodka or apple cider vinegar helps keep the dough tender without adding flavor.
- Grate the apples freshly to retain moisture and texture in the filling.
- Chilling the dough and assembled pop tarts before baking prevents shrinking and helps maintain shape.
- These pop tarts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen before glazing for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free glaze, substitute the cream with almond milk or another non-dairy milk.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
