Apple Cinnamon Puff Pastry Twists - Flaky, Cozy, and So Easy

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk + splash of vanilla

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep the oven: Heat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. 2

   Cook the apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–5 minutes until softened and syrupy. Cool to room temperature.

3. 3

   Roll the pastry: Lightly flour your surface. Unfold puff pastry and roll it into roughly a 10x12-inch rectangle. Trim edges if needed for neat sides.

4. 4

   Butter and fill: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and brush it over the pastry. Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly over half the pastry, leaving a small border.

5. 5

   Fold and seal: Fold the empty half over the apple side to make a 10x6-inch rectangle. Press gently to seal, especially around the edges.

6. 6

   Slice: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rectangle into 10–12 strips, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide.

7. 7

   Twist: Hold each strip at both ends and twist 3–4 times. Place on the prepared sheet, tucking the ends under.

8. 8

   Finish: Brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.

9. 9

   Bake: Bake 14–18 minutes until puffed and deep golden. Don’t pull them early—color means flavor and flake.

10. 10

    Optional glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm twists and let set a few minutes before serving.