Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful pastry that brings together flaky, buttery layers and a sweet apple filling, all finished with a smooth, creamy vanilla glaze. The kringle’s twisted shape makes it look as beautiful as it tastes, filled with tender apples and just the right touch of cinnamon. It’s the kind of treat that smells like fall and feels like a warm hug.
I love making this kringle early in the morning so the whole house fills with the scent of baked apples and vanilla. The vanilla glaze on top adds a lovely, soft sweetness that makes every bite feel special without being too heavy. My favorite part is how the crisp layers of dough give way to the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples inside—it’s a balance of textures that makes it hard to stop at just one slice.
This apple kringle is perfect for sharing with family during a chilly weekend breakfast or as a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. I like to serve it slightly warm because the glaze just melts into the pastry, making it even yummier. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want to make something simple that still feels like a little celebration.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives the kringle its classic flaky texture. You can substitute with a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but expect a denser pastry.
Apples: I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness, balancing the sweet glaze beautifully. Honeycrisp works well too for a juicier, sweeter filling. Avoid very soft apples as they get mushy when baked.
Butter: Using unsalted butter allows better control over salt levels. Melted butter in the dough helps create tenderness, while melted butter in the filling adds richness and helps soften the apples.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warming spices bring out autumn flavors. You can adjust cinnamon to taste or skip nutmeg if you prefer a simpler spice profile.
Vanilla extract: It’s key both in the apple filling and glaze, adding a smooth, sweet aroma. If you don’t have vanilla, a small pinch of almond extract can add interesting depth instead.
How Do You Create the Perfect Twisted Ring Shape?
The kringle’s signature shape comes from twisting the cut dough strands and forming a ring. Here’s how to get it right:
- After rolling the dough with the filling, slice it lengthwise carefully—leave about an inch at the end uncut to keep strands connected.
- Lift each strand gently and twist them over each other, keeping the cut sides up so the filling shows through.
- Once twisted, shape the dough into a large circle and pinch the ends together to seal. This helps hold its shape while baking.
- Use a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking and help you move the kringle easily.
This twisting and shaping not only looks beautiful but also lets steam escape while baking, keeping the layers flaky.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the dough and mixing the apple filling easily without making a mess.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out the dough evenly into the right size and shape.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup quick and easy.
- Sharp knife – for cutting the rolled dough lengthwise to create the twists perfectly.
- Whisk or fork – to mix the vanilla glaze smoothly without lumps.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping apples for pears or peaches for a sweeter twist with soft fruit that cooks well.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of chewy sweetness in each bite.
- Sprinkle a bit of ground cardamom or ginger into the filling to add warm spice notes and depth.
Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kringle Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough and filling, 1 to 1.5 hours for dough to rise, 35 to 40 minutes for baking, plus about 10 minutes to make and drizzle the glaze. Plan roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish, including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by mixing warm milk with yeast and a tiny pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—that means the yeast is active! In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the foamy yeast mix, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes, until it’s smooth and stretchy. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it somewhere warm to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss everything gently so the apples are well coated. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Assemble the Kringle:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down your risen dough to remove air bubbles, then roll it out into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the apple filling evenly across the dough. Starting at a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife to cut the log lengthwise down the middle, but leave about an inch uncut at one end so the strands stay connected. Twist the two strips together with the filling side up so the “twist” shows. Shape the twisted dough into a ring on your baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal it.
4. Bake the Kringle:
Bake the kringle in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before the next step.
5. Make the Vanilla Glaze:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, whisking until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the warm kringle. For an extra pretty touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top.
6. Serve:
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the kringle warm or at room temperature—with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that could make the dough soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Take it out about an hour before baking to come to room temperature and rise a bit more if needed.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving to refresh the flakiness.
Can I Substitute the Milk in the Dough?
Yes! You can use any milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk, but make sure it’s warmed to about 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast.
