Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is like a warm hug on a chilly day. This flaky, buttery pastry is filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that feel just right in every bite. The vanilla glaze on top adds a sweet touch that perfectly complements the apple filling and crispy crust.
I love making this kringle when I want something special but comforting. The smell of apples and cinnamon baking fills the house so nicely, and the flaky layers make it feel like a treat worth sharing. If you’re like me, you’ll want to slice it up right out of the oven while the glaze is still a little gooey.
My favorite way to enjoy it is with a cup of hot coffee or tea in the morning or afternoon. It’s great for breakfast or as a sweet snack anytime you need a little cozy comfort. I always think of cozy afternoons at home whenever I make this apple kringle—it’s simple, tasty, and just a little bit magical.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast: Active dry yeast helps the dough rise and get that light, flaky texture. If you’re short on time, instant yeast works too and skips the proofing step.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great for keeping shape and offering a balance of tart and sweet. If unavailable, Fuji or Braeburn apples work fine.
Butter: Cold butter in the dough creates those lovely flaky layers. Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. Margarine can be a substitute but results won’t be quite as rich.
Cinnamon: This spice is what makes the apple filling cozy. Don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warmth.
Vanilla Glaze: Simple and sweet, it ties the whole kringle together. If you want a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
How Do You Make the Dough Flaky & Buttery Like a Kringle?
Flaky dough comes from layering butter into the dough through laminating, just like making puff pastry but simpler. Here’s what to focus on:
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter ensures it stays in chunks that create those flaky layers.
- Roll and Fold: Brush melted butter on the dough, fold it like a letter, and roll it out again. Doing this twice builds layers.
- Don’t Overwork Dough: Handle it gently to keep the butter from melting into the dough too soon.
- Let it Rise: After shaping, allow it to rise so the yeast helps puff up the dough without losing flakiness.
Following these steps helps you get that delicious, flaky texture unique to kringle and similar pastries!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients easily.
- Pastry brush – perfect for spreading melted butter to create flaky layers.
- Rolling pin – helps roll the dough evenly into a rectangle.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the kringle from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife – to make clean slits for twisting the dough and showing the filling.
- Whisk – for mixing the vanilla glaze smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or mix both for a sweeter, softer filling.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch against the soft apples.
- Stir in a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger with cinnamon for a warm spice twist.
- Mix cream cheese with the glaze for a tangy finish that balances the sweetness.
Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kringle Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for laminating)
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This delicious apple kringle takes about 2 hours total. You’ll spend around 30 minutes preparing and assembling the dough and filling, then about 1 hour for the yeast dough to rise and the shaped kringle to rest before baking. Baking takes 30-35 minutes, and another 10 minutes cool down before adding the glaze and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast in warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and the yeast mixture together. Slowly add 3 cups of flour and knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, adding more flour if needed, until the dough feels elastic and not sticky. Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
While the dough is rising, mix the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, flour, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Set this flavorful filling aside for later.
3. Roll and Layer the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Brush melted butter evenly over the dough. Fold the dough into thirds, like folding a letter, then roll it out again to the same size. Repeat the butter brushing and folding once more to build lovely flaky layers.
4. Add Filling and Shape the Kringle:
Roll out the dough one last time into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread the apple filling evenly, leaving about an inch border all around. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, pinching the edges to seal. Place the log on a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape it into a ring, and pinch the ends to join.
5. Twist and Let Rise:
Make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart all around the ring with a sharp knife. Gently twist each slice to show the layers and apples. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake and Glaze:
Bake the kringle for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. When the kringle is done, cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle the vanilla glaze on top. Dust with powdered sugar if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm, flaky apple kringle with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or delightful treat anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and cinnamon. This helps prevent a soggy kringle.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the day before, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and assembling.
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 the oven to refresh the flaky texture.
Can I Substitute the Butter in the Dough?
Unsalted butter is best for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter if needed. Keep in mind the final texture might be less flaky.
