Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a flaky, buttery pastry filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. The layers of dough create a perfect crispness that pairs so well with the tender, soft apple filling inside. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a big, warm hug on a chilly day.
I love making this kringle when I want something special but still comforting. The smell of apple and cinnamon baking fills the whole house, and that sweet vanilla glaze on top adds just the right touch of extra sweetness. I always find myself sneaking another slice before it even cools down!
My favorite way to enjoy this apple kringle is fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack anytime. Whenever I bring it to a gathering, it disappears fast, which just proves how much everyone loves it as much as I do.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yeast & Dough: Active dry yeast is essential for a nice rise and tender crumb. If you don’t have dry yeast, instant yeast works too—just mix it right into the flour without proofing.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness. You can substitute with Fuji or Pink Lady apples, but avoid very soft varieties like McIntosh to prevent a mushy filling.
Butter: Cold butter cut into the flour creates a flaky dough. You can try using margarine or vegetable shortening, but butter gives the best flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust the amount or add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra spice.
Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar mixed with milk and vanilla keeps it simple. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk instead.
How Do You Achieve Flaky Layers in the Kringle Dough?
Making the dough flaky depends on how you work the butter into the flour and handle the dough:
- Keep butter cold and work quickly to prevent it from melting before baking.
- Cut butter into flour until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks—these melt during baking to create flaky layers.
- Gently knead the dough, just enough to bring it together. Overkneading develops gluten and makes the dough tough.
- Rolling out the dough evenly helps the layers bake well and hold the filling.
- Let the dough rise sufficiently until doubled, so it’s soft but still holds shape during baking.
Handling the dough lightly and keeping everything cool are key to a flaky, tender kringle crust that melts in your mouth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients easily.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect layering.
- Sharp knife – to cut slits for twisting the kringle and showing the filling.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing melted butter over the dough for a nice golden finish.
- Whisk – handy for mixing the vanilla glaze smoothly without lumps.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or peaches seasonally; they bring a soft, sweet twist to the filling.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the filling for crunch and extra texture.
- Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of chewy sweetness in each bite.
- Try a cream cheese layer under the apples for a rich, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to desired consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, around 1 hour for dough rising, and 30-35 minutes for baking. You’ll then spend a few minutes glazing and decorating. Overall, expect about 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or fingers until it looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the yeast mixture and the egg, mixing to form a dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead gently for 4-5 minutes until smooth. Shape into a ball. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well coated. Set aside.
3. Shape and Fill the Kringle:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Brush the dough surface with melted butter. Spread the apple filling evenly, leaving about 1 inch along the edges. Roll the dough tightly along the long side into a log. Form a ring by pinching the ends together and place on the baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut slits about 3/4 through the dough around the ring, spacing 1-2 inches apart. Twist each segment slightly to reveal the filling.
4. Bake the Kringle:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet.
5. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze:
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth and thick but pourable. Adjust milk to get your desired consistency.
6. Glaze and Serve:
Drizzle glaze evenly over the warm kringle. Sprinkle chopped nuts and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Let the glaze set a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.
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 excess moisture, which can make the dough soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to regain some crispiness before serving.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise, then refrigerate it covered overnight. Before assembling, let it come to room temperature and give it a light knead.
What Can I Substitute for Milk in the Dough or Glaze?
You can use any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative. Just ensure the milk is warmed for the yeast activation step.
