Apple Cinnamon Pastries with Orange-Raspberry Tea

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

For the Orange-Raspberry Tea:

• 1 bag of orange-flavored tea (such as orange pekoe or citrus blend)
• 1 bag of raspberry-flavored tea (or a raspberry herbal tea)
• Honey or sugar (to taste)
• A few slices of fresh orange (for garnish, optional)
• Ice cubes or hot water (depending on your preference for serving)

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pastries

These pastries are both easy and fun to prepare, especially with the help of puff pastry that does most of the work for you. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small cubes. You can choose to leave the skin on for extra texture, but peeling them is also fine.
2. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples to the pan.
3. Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using), then add the lemon juice. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy. You want the apples to be tender but still slightly intact, not mushy.
4. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 squares (12 total).
3. Place a spoonful of the apple cinnamon filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill—just enough to create a delicious pocket of flavor.
4. Fold the corners of the puff pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
5. Lightly beat the egg and brush it over the top of each pastry to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
6. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top of each pastry for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step 3: Bake the Pastries

1. Place the filled pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastries are puffed up and golden brown. The flaky layers of the puff pastry should be crisp and light, and the apple cinnamon filling should be bubbling slightly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the pastries cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside a cup of Orange-Raspberry Tea. They make the perfect pairing for a cozy treat!

How to Make Orange-Raspberry Tea

Now that you’ve got your pastries ready, it’s time to brew the tea. This combination of orange and raspberry creates a refreshing yet mellow beverage that pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced pastries.

Step 1: Brew the Tea

1. In a teapot or mug, steep 1 orange-flavored tea bag and 1 raspberry tea bag together in hot water. Let them steep for about 4-5 minutes or according to your taste preferences.
2. Once brewed, remove the tea bags and stir in honey or sugar if you’d like to sweeten the tea.
3. For an extra burst of freshness, add a few slices of fresh orange to the tea for garnish. This will enhance the citrus notes and add a beautiful touch.

Step 2: Serve Hot or Iced

• Hot Tea: Serve the tea hot for a cozy and comforting drink that complements the warmth of the pastries.
• Iced Tea: If you prefer iced tea, allow the tea to cool slightly, then pour it over ice cubes and garnish with more orange slices for a refreshing twist.

Tips for Perfect Apple Cinnamon Pastries with Orange-Raspberry Tea

• Use Firm Apples: For the best filling, choose apples that hold their shape well when baked. Granny Smiths are tart and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar, while Honeycrisps add a bit of natural sweetness and flavor.
• Chill the Pastry Before Baking: After assembling the pastries, pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps the puff pastry maintain its flaky texture as it bakes.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to get creative with your apple cinnamon filling! Add raisins, walnuts, or a dash of maple syrup to change things up.
• Make the Tea Ahead: If you’re serving the tea for a group, brew a large batch ahead of time. You can keep it hot in a thermos or serve it iced.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cinnamon Pastries with Orange-Raspberry Tea

1. The Perfect Pairing: The sweet, spiced apple cinnamon filling complements the fruity, citrusy notes of the tea, creating a deliciously balanced combination.
2. Cozy Comfort: Whether it’s a chilly morning or a quiet afternoon, these pastries and tea offer the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.
3. Easy to Make: From the simple pastry prep to the easy tea brewing, this pairing comes together in no time.
4. Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, sharing a sweet treat with friends, or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, these pastries and tea are always a hit.
5. A Delicious Contrast: The rich, warm pastries and the light, refreshing tea offer a delightful contrast that keeps each bite and sip exciting.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Pastries with Orange-Raspberry Tea are the perfect way to indulge in a cozy, comforting treat that balances sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors in one delightful pairing. The flaky, buttery pastries filled with tender, spiced apples are a match made in heaven with the refreshing, fruity tea. Whether you’re enjoying these treats for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they’ll warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings.

So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your guests) to this delicious, easy-to-make dessert pairing. You’ll be glad you did!