Makes 12-16 pinwheels
- 2 puff pastry sheets (thawed, if frozen)
- 2 medium apples (peeled and grated)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Note: Use firm apples like Granny Smith for a tart contrast, or opt for sweeter varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp if you prefer a more naturally sweet filling. Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly for this recipe and saves time, but ensure it’s thawed before you begin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will allow your pinwheels to bake evenly and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry
Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to smooth out any creases and slightly thin the dough. Be gentle while rolling to maintain the puff pastry’s structure. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the 1 tablespoon of melted butter, ensuring even coverage for a rich, buttery flavor when baked.
3. Mix the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and grated apples, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the sugar and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the apples. This mixture will give the pinwheels their signature sweet, spiced filling.
4. Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the apple-cinnamon mixture over the buttered puff pastry. Ensure that the filling reaches all the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. The grated apples will bake down, becoming tender and releasing their juices into the pastry, so don’t worry if the layer seems thin.
5. Roll the Pastry
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the puff pastry into a tight log. As you roll, be sure to keep the filling evenly distributed and the pastry smooth. This step is crucial for creating the signature pinwheel shape.
6. Slice into Pinwheels
Once the pastry is rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into even pieces, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. These slices will form your pinwheels. Aim to get 12-16 pinwheels, depending on the size of your pastry sheets and how thick you prefer each one.
7. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion during baking. The butter and filling may cause the pinwheels to spread slightly, so ensure they aren’t too close together.
8. Bake the Pinwheels
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crispy. The puff pastry should puff up and turn flaky, while the sugar and apple filling will caramelize slightly, giving the pinwheels a beautiful glaze. Keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Leave a Reply