Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful treat that brings together flaky, buttery pastry with sweet, tender apple filling. The vanilla glaze drizzled on top adds just the right touch of creamy sweetness, making every bite a little bit special. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

I love making this kringle when I want something that’s easy to share but still feels homemade and thoughtful. The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery layers is a classic that never fails to make the house smell amazing. Plus, the vanilla glaze is simple to whip up and makes the kringle look as good as it tastes.

My favorite way to enjoy this cozy apple kringle is fresh from the oven, slightly warm, with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for a weekend breakfast or a sweet afternoon break. Whenever I serve it at gatherings, it always disappears quickly — everyone loves that balance of crispy pastry, soft apples, and smooth glaze. Give it a try, and I think you’ll understand why it’s one of my go-to comfort bakes!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Yeast & Milk: Active dry yeast and warm milk are crucial for soft, fluffy dough. If you prefer, use instant yeast (reduce rising time) or plant-based milk like almond milk for a dairy-free option.

Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best to balance sweetness. You can swap with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist. Slice them thin to ensure even cooking in the filling.

Butter & Sugar: Butter adds richness and flakiness to the dough and filling. You can use vegan butter if needed. Both granulated and brown sugars enhance depth; brown sugar gives a nice caramel flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Vanilla in both dough and glaze ties flavors together and adds warmth. If you don’t have vanilla, a pinch of cinnamon can boost flavor in the glaze instead.

How Do You Create the Perfect Twisted Kringle Shape?

Shaping the kringle can feel tricky, but it’s all about keeping the layers visible and the twist tight.

• After rolling the filled dough into a log, slice it lengthwise carefully with a sharp knife to reveal the filling layers.
• Twist the two halves gently, keeping the cut edges facing up to show the layers and apples.
• Form the twisted dough into a ring and pinch ends firmly so it holds its shape during baking.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking, and handle the dough gently to keep those flaky layers intact.

This technique creates that classic braided look and ensures even baking and a beautiful display of apples and cinnamon sugar.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – for combining your dough and filling ingredients easily.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir fillings and dough without scratching your bowls.
• Rolling pin – essential to roll out the dough evenly to get thin, flaky layers.
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the kringle from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sharp knife – to cut the rolled dough lengthwise for twisting and shaping.
• Whisk – for mixing the smooth vanilla glaze quickly and evenly.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap apples for pears or peaches in summer for a lighter, juicy filling with a different sweetness.
• Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts inside the filling to give a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for bursts of tartness and texture.
• Use cream cheese in the glaze instead of milk for a tangy frosting that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon apple.

Cozy Apple Kringle with Vanilla Glaze

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 45°C)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple 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, packed
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

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

For Garnish (Optional):

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Chopped nuts

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 1 hour 45 minutes total. You’ll spend around 20 minutes preparing the dough and filling, about 1 hour for the dough to rise, 30 minutes for a second rise after shaping, and 35-40 minutes baking time. Some cooling and glazing time add a few extra minutes too.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

First, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit until foamy, which takes about 5-10 minutes. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture to this, then gradually stir in the flour until it forms a soft dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

While the dough is rising, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, both sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Cook gently for 5-7 minutes until the apples are just tender. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook while stirring for another 2 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and cool completely.

3. Assemble the Kringle:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×20 inches. Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, sealing the seam. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll in half lengthwise to expose the layers. Twist the two strands together with the cut side always on top. Shape this twisted dough into a ring and pinch the ends to seal. Place the ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover it loosely, and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.

4. Bake the Kringle:

Bake the kringle for 35-40 minutes until it turns golden brown. If it starts to brown too much before it’s fully baked, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

5. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze:

While the kringle bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more sugar or milk if needed.

6. Glaze and Serve:

Let the baked kringle cool slightly (about 10 minutes) then drizzle the vanilla glaze generously on top. You can also dust it with powdered sugar and sprinkle chopped nuts if you like. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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 in the filling. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to keep the filling from getting soggy.

Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the kringle.

How Should I Store Leftover Kringle?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I Substitute the Milk in the Dough or Glaze?

Yes! Feel free to use any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option. The glaze will still be delicious and creamy.