Name: Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 2 medium apples, diced (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk or cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something magical about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and pastry mingling in the oven. Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze wraps all of that warmth into one delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon. With flaky layers and a soft, apple-packed center, this pastry brings the charm of a bakery right into your kitchen.

What makes this kringle irresistible is the perfect balance between tender, spiced apples and the sweet drizzle of creamy vanilla glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people pause after the first bite, eyebrows raised, then dive in for more. Whether you serve it as a weekend brunch centerpiece or a holiday dessert, it has a way of stealing the show.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Apple Kringle

This kringle recipe is approachable and rewarding. It uses store-bought puff pastry for ease, but the flavor is anything but simple. From the gently cooked apples to the hint of almond in the glaze, every layer contributes something cozy and comforting. It’s also a wonderfully flexible recipe that works as a breakfast pastry or a post-dinner indulgence.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

For this kringle, frozen puff pastry sheets work beautifully. Look for all-butter varieties if you can find them—they bake up golden and taste rich. Let the pastry thaw just enough to be pliable, but still cold to the touch. If it gets too warm, the butter layers start melting before they hit the oven, and you lose that lovely flakiness.

Ingredients for the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Making a Cozy Apple Kringle is easier than it looks. You’ll need just a few everyday ingredients that, when combined, create something incredibly special.

Puff Pastry: This forms the flaky, golden base of the kringle. It’s buttery and crisp once baked.
Apples: Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the apple filling.
Cinnamon: Brings warm spice that enhances the natural apple flavor.
Nutmeg: A pinch adds a deeper warmth and complexity.
Butter: Used to sauté the apples until tender and glossy.
Egg: For the egg wash, which gives the pastry a lovely golden finish.
Powdered Sugar: Base for the vanilla glaze, bringing just the right sweetness.
Milk or Cream: Thins out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds cozy, aromatic sweetness to the glaze.

How To Make the Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Sauté the Apples

Peel and dice the apples, then cook them in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re soft and glossy. This creates a luscious filling that won’t leak out when baked.

Step 2: Assemble the Kringle

Roll out your puff pastry into a rectangle. Spoon the cooled apple filling down the center, then make cuts along both long sides and fold them over the filling in a braid-like pattern.

Step 3: Brush and Bake

Brush the kringle with a beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish. Bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden.

Step 4: Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze

While the kringle cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Drizzle generously over the top for that bakery-finish look and an added layer of sweetness.

How to Serve and Store Your Cozy Apple Kringle

This kringle serves 6 to 8 people, depending on how generous the slices are. Serve it slightly warm or at room temperature, with a cup of tea or coffee for maximum coziness.

To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate for up to four days and gently reheat slices in a low oven before serving.

What to Serve With Cozy Apple Kringle?

Hot Spiced Cider

The warming notes of clove and cinnamon pair beautifully with the apple filling.

Chai Latte

Spiced tea adds depth and comfort that complements the cinnamon in the kringle.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop on the side turns this into a plated dessert worthy of guests.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

If you’re serving this at brunch, salty-sweet bacon makes a great contrast.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

A dollop adds lightness and enhances the cozy, spiced flavors.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Apple and cheddar are a classic combo—a thin slice on the side is unexpectedly good.

Warm Caramel Sauce

Drizzled on top of the glaze, it brings richness and an extra indulgent touch.

Want More Pastry Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cozy Apple Kringle, you’ll probably fall for these other cozy bites too:

Butter Pecan Pound Cake for a rich and nutty twist on dessert.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies if you’re craving cinnamon sugar magic.
Classic French Butter Cookies for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth moment.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a nostalgic campfire treat.
Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for a sunny, citrus balance.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Honeycrisp or go classic with Granny Smith? Did you go heavy on the glaze or keep it light?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something stunning. It’s sweet but not overly so, with layers of texture and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re baking for guests or just yourself, this kringle delivers on comfort and flavor every time.