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Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful pastry that brings together flaky, buttery dough with tender, spiced apple filling. The vanilla glaze on top adds a smooth, sweet finish that perfectly balances the tartness of the apples. It’s a treat that feels like a warm hug with every bite, making it great for chilly mornings or a comforting afternoon snack.

I love making this kringle when the apples are in season because the smell of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen and instantly makes me feel at home. One tip I always follow is to roll the dough nice and thin to get those layers extra crisp, which makes each slice even more enjoyable. The glaze is simple but makes all the difference, turning a good pastry into something special.

Serving this with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee is my favorite way to enjoy it. It’s also wonderful to share at brunch with friends or family, especially when no one can resist the sweet, sticky glaze and soft apple filling. Every time I have this kringle, it reminds me of cozy weekends and slow mornings spent savoring good food and good company.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tart contrast, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crisp texture. If you want softer filling, try Fuji or Gala apples. Just aim for firm apples to hold their shape while baking.

Dough: Active dry yeast is ideal here. You can substitute with instant yeast but skip proofing with water. The softened butter in the dough creates that tender, flaky texture I love for kringles.

Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. If you’re short on nutmeg, a pinch of cloves or allspice works well. The vanilla extract deepens the filling flavor but isn’t mandatory if you don’t have it.

Vanilla Glaze: Powdered sugar with milk and vanilla gives a sweet glossy finish. For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk. You can add a drop of lemon juice for a slight tang if you like.

How Do You Get the Dough Light and Flaky for Kringle?

The flakiness comes from properly kneading and incorporating butter. Here’s how I do it:

• After mixing your dough, knead in the softened butter thoroughly until smooth and elastic. This helps create layers.
• Let the dough rise fully until doubled — patience is key for a light texture.
• Roll the dough evenly thin before adding filling so it bakes evenly and crisps up nicely.
• When twisting the cut sections, be gentle so the layers show without compressing dough.

Also, brushing with melted butter before baking helps brown the crust beautifully. Don’t rush the rising or the rolling steps — they make all the difference in texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – for combining dough and filling ingredients easily.
• Measuring cups and spoons – keep your measurements exact for consistent results.
• Rolling pin – helps roll dough smoothly and evenly without tearing.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for making clean cuts and twisting the kringle strips.
• Whisk – perfect for mixing the vanilla glaze smoothly without lumps.
• Wire cooling rack – lets the kringle cool evenly to keep the crust crisp.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap apples for pears or peaches in season for a sweeter, softer filling that still holds its shape.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Mix in a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger or cardamom for a subtle spicy twist.
• Use cream cheese dollops inside the apple filling for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet glaze.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 cup warm milk (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, softened (plus extra for brushing)

For the Filling:

• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp milk (or heavy cream for richer glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For dusting (optional):

• Powdered sugar

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 20 minutes preparation time, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, followed by 30-40 minutes of baking. Allow time for cooling and glazing, so plan for around 2 hours total from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it foam for about 5 minutes. Mix warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and the yeast mixture in a large bowl. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough with the softened butter for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

Toss apple slices with lemon juice to keep their color. In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Add apples and melted butter and mix gently to coat evenly.

3. Assemble 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 into a 12×16 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edges and shape the log into a ring on the baking sheet, pinching ends to connect. Using a sharp knife, cut diagonal slits about 1 inch apart halfway through the ring. Twist each cut section gently to show off the filling layers.

4. Bake the Kringle:

Brush the ring with melted butter. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. After baking, let the kringle cool slightly on a wire rack.

5. Make and Add the Vanilla Glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm kringle, letting it drip deliciously over the sides.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Optionally, dust the kringle with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature, ideally with your favorite cup of 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 sugar and spices.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Before using, let it come to room temperature and rise a bit more if needed, then proceed with the recipe.

How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before serving.

Can I Substitute the Milk and Butter for Dairy-Free Options?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but the kringle will still be delicious.