Puff Pastry Apple Donuts

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

I've discovered these amazing puff pastry apple donuts that taste like fall heaven! You start with fresh apple rings wrapped in flaky puff pastry that puffs up gorgeously as it bakes, then roll them in warm cinnamon sugar that adds this perfect sweet crunch. The way the pastry gets all golden and crispy while the apple inside stays tender and juicy is absolutely magical. What's incredible is they only take 35 minutes to make but look so impressive - perfect for when you want something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma while they're baking is absolutely irresistible!
A smiling woman in an apron poses for a selfie in a professional kitchen.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:57:12 GMT
A close-up of golden-brown, spiral-shaped pastries with a glossy, sugared glaze on a baking sheet. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown, spiral-shaped pastries with a glossy, sugared glaze on a baking sheet. | tastygusto.com

I can't get enough of these Puff Pastry Apple Donuts they're my favorite fall treat. Picture this crispy flaky pastry wrapped around sweet caramelized apple slices then rolled in cinnamon sugar. They're so quick to make and my kids love helping in the kitchen especially on those cozy autumn afternoons.

Why These Are So Special

No messy deep frying here just pop them in the oven and watch that puff pastry turn golden and crispy. I love how simple they are to put together even the kids can help wrap the apples. It's such a fun way to use those fresh fall apples and create something really special.

What You'll Need

  • Apples: I love using Honeycrisp they're perfectly sweet and juicy.
  • Puff Pastry: Grab it from the freezer section let it thaw a bit first.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: This magic combo makes everything taste like fall.
  • Egg: Just one for brushing gives you that beautiful golden crust.

Let's Make Them Together

Start With Your Apples
Slice them into rings about ¼ inch thick pop out the centers with a small cookie cutter. Give them a roll in cinnamon sugar especially if they're a bit tart.
Get Your Pastry Ready
Roll out that thawed puff pastry on a floured surface then cut it into thin strips.
Wrap Those Apples
Wrap each ring with pastry strips make sure they're covered then brush with egg wash and sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top.
Time to Bake
Put them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until they're golden and crispy about 20 minutes.

How to Serve Them

These are absolutely heavenly right out of the oven. Sometimes I serve them with Nutella or caramel sauce for dipping but honestly they're amazing just as they are all warm and crispy.

A close-up of a cinnamon-sugar pastry shaped in a twisted knot, resting on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of a cinnamon-sugar pastry shaped in a twisted knot, resting on parchment paper. | tastygusto.com

Keeping Them Fresh

Try to eat these fresh while they're still warm and flaky. If you have leftovers keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. I love reheating them in my air fryer at 250°F for about 5 minutes they get nice and crispy again.

My Best Tips

Try using Granny Smith apples if you want that lovely tart flavor with the sweet cinnamon sugar. Make sure to roll your pastry nice and thin it makes wrapping easier. Keep an eye on them while baking you want those apples tender but not mushy and the pastry golden and crisp.

A close-up of freshly baked, golden-brown cinnamon roll pastries on parchment paper. Pin it
A close-up of freshly baked, golden-brown cinnamon roll pastries on parchment paper. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples work best?
Honeycrisp apples are recommended, but any firm apple variety will work. Avoid soft apples as they may become too mushy when baked.
→ How do I know when the pastry is ready?
The puff pastry should be golden brown, which typically takes 15-20 minutes. Start checking at 15 minutes and continue baking if needed.
→ Can I prepare these in advance?
These are best served fresh while the pastry is crispy. You can prepare the apple rings ahead of time but wait to wrap and bake until serving.
→ Why do we need to thaw the puff pastry?
Thawed puff pastry is easier to work with and will wrap around the apples better. Frozen pastry will crack and won't adhere properly.
→ What's the best way to cut the apple rings?
Cut apples into ¼ inch thick rings while the apple is on its side. Use a small cookie cutter to remove the core and create the ring shape.

Conclusion

These easy puff pastry apple donuts combine fresh apple rings with flaky pastry and warm cinnamon sugar. Ready in just 35 minutes, they're a perfect fall treat that's both impressive and simple.

Puff Pastry Apple Donuts

Apple rings wrapped in flaky puff pastry and rolled in cinnamon sugar. A simple fall treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 5 Servings (8-10 donuts)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 Honey crisp apples.
02 1 Puff pastry sheet, thawed.
03 3 tablespoons sugar.
04 1.5 tablespoons ground cinnamon.
05 1 egg.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Let puff pastry thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Cut apples into ¼ inch thick rings. Remove cores with small cookie cutter to create rings.

Step 03

Combine sugar and cinnamon in shallow bowl. Dip apple rings in mixture.

Step 04

Cut puff pastry into thin strips. Wrap each apple ring with 2-3 strips until covered.

Step 05

Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Step 06

Bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown, checking at 15 minutes.

Notes

  1. Best served fresh while warm and crispy.
  2. Makes 8-10 apple rings.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small cookie cutter.
  • Baking sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 354
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 5 g