Apple pastries baked in the oven

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the pastries don’t stick and for easy cleanup.

#### 2. **Prepare the Apples**:
Peel and core the **apples**, then slice them into thin, even slices. This ensures they cook evenly in the pastry. Place the apple slices in a medium-sized bowl and toss them with **brown sugar**, **cinnamon**, and **lemon juice**. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning while you prepare the pastry.

#### 3. **Prepare the Puff Pastry**:
Unroll the **puff pastry** sheet on a lightly floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the pastry into squares or rectangles (about 3-4 inches wide). You can cut the pastry into smaller pieces if you want to make individual-sized pastries or leave them larger for a more rustic, family-style treat.

#### 4. **Assemble the Pastries**:
Place a small spoonful of the **apple mixture** in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill them, as you want to leave room for the pastry to fold around the apples without spilling over. Gently fold the edges of the pastry around the apples, leaving the top open. This creates a little pocket for the apples to bake inside.

#### 5. **Brush with Egg Wash**:
Whisk the **egg** in a small bowl and brush it over the exposed edges of the pastry. This will give the pastry a golden, glossy finish as it bakes. You can also sprinkle a little **granulated sugar** on top of each pastry for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.

#### 6. **Bake the Pastries**:
Carefully transfer the prepared apple pastries to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about **20-25 minutes**, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up, and the apples inside are tender. The filling will bubble slightly as it cooks, making for a perfect blend of textures.

#### 7. **Cool and Serve**:
Once the pastries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can also dust them with a little **powdered sugar** for an elegant finish before serving. These apple pastries are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven!

### Why You’ll Love These Apple Pastries:

1. **Flaky and Buttery**: The puff pastry bakes to perfection, creating a light, airy, and buttery base that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apple filling. Every bite offers a delicate crunch followed by tender, sweet apples.

2. **Sweet and Tart**: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The apples soften and caramelize as they bake, bringing out their natural sweetness, while the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth.

3. **Simple Ingredients**: With just a few ingredients like apples, puff pastry, sugar, and cinnamon, you can make these delightful pastries at home without a lot of fuss. They’re the perfect last-minute dessert or snack that looks impressive without requiring hours of preparation.

4. **Versatile**: You can customize these pastries with other fruits or fillings. Try adding a handful of **raisins**, **walnuts**, or even a drizzle of **caramel sauce** for extra flavor. You could also swap out the apples for pears or berries for a different twist.

5. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: These pastries are ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack. They’re also great for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings. The warm, sweet aroma of apple pastries will fill your home and invite everyone to the table!

### Tips for the Best Apple Pastries:

– **Use firm apples**: Choose apples that hold their shape when baked, such as **Granny Smith**, **Honeycrisp**, or **Braeburn**. Softer apples can become mushy when baked, affecting the texture of the filling.

– **Don’t overfill**: Be sure not to overstuff the pastries, as this can cause them to leak filling during baking. A small spoonful of apples is enough.

– **Try caramelizing the apples**: For a richer flavor, you can sauté the apple slices with butter and sugar in a skillet before adding them to the pastry. This gives the apples a caramelized finish.

– **Make ahead**: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the apple filling and pastry ahead of time, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. You can also freeze the unbaked pastries for a later date, baking them directly from frozen.

### Conclusion:
These **apple pastries baked in the oven** are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will become a staple in your baking rotation. With their **flaky, buttery crust** and sweet, spiced apple filling, they’re the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall year-round. Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply treating yourself to a cozy dessert, these pastries will quickly become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!