Easy Apple Puff Pastry Tarts

Instructions:

1. Melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, and lemon juice to the skillet.
3. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until the apples have softened and the liquid has thickened into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and use a 3-inch cutter to stamp out 9 circles.
6. Gently press each pastry circle into the bottom of a muffin tin cavity, pushing the dough up the sides until it reaches the rim.
7. Spoon 2 generous tablespoons of the cooled apple mixture into each pastry shell.
8. Whisk the egg yolk with water and brush a thin layer over the exposed pastry edges.
9. Sprinkle the edges with coarse sparkling sugar and bake for 20 minutes until golden-brown.