Apple Walnut Pastry Cookies: Soft Yeast Rolls with Sweet Apple Filling

These sweet, soft pastries are filled with apples, raisins, and walnuts, then finished with a glossy lemon syrup for an irresistible bakery-style treat.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500g (1.1 lb) all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast

• 100g (3.5 oz) butter-flavored margarine

• 1¼ cups lukewarm water

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ cup sugar

For the Filling

• 50g (1.75 oz) butter-flavored margarine

• 50g (1.75 oz) raisins

• 4 apples

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup crushed walnuts

• ⅓ cup water

For the Glaze

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Combine all the dough ingredients and knead until the dough is soft and smooth.

2. Place the dough in a bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

3. Knead the dough again for a few minutes and allow it to rise a second time for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling

1. Peel and grate the apples using a box grater or food processor.

2. Place the apples and all remaining filling ingredients in a saucepan.

3. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Assemble the Cookies

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.

2. Roll out one portion into a large rectangle.

3. Spread half of the filling evenly over the dough.

4. Roll the dough up tightly into a log (like a jelly roll).

5. Seal the ends and slice into cookie-sized pieces.

6. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Bake

1. Brush each pastry with beaten egg.

2. Bake in a preheated moderate oven (180°C / 350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Glaze

1. While the pastries are baking, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

2. Simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened.

Finish

1. Remove the pastries from the oven.

2. While still warm, brush generously with the glaze.

3. Allow to cool slightly before serving.