Flaky Apple Puff Pastry Rolls

“Roulés Feuilletés aux Pommes” is a French phrase that translates to Apple Puff Pastry Rolls. These delightful pastries combine tender, spiced apple slices with crispy, flaky puff pastry to create a treat that’s both rustic and refined. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy breakfast, a quick dessert, or a treat with afternoon tea, these rolls deliver comfort and flavor in every bite

Puff pastry is a staple of French baking, known for its delicate layers that puff up into a golden, crispy shell when baked. Pair that with the warm, familiar sweetness of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and you’ve got a foolproof recipe that’s simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

To make your Flaky Apple Puff Pastry Rolls easy and enjoyable, here are the recommended tools:

• Rolling pin (if using a block of puff pastry)
• Sharp knife or pastry wheel
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush
• Mixing bowls
• Apple peeler and corer
• Small saucepan (optional, for caramelizing apples)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delightful puff pastry rolls:

For the Apple Filling:

• 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2–3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

For the Pastry:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Caramel sauce or vanilla glaze (optional for serving)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel and slice the apples thinly (about ⅛-inch thick).
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Sauté for 5–8 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy.
5. Stir in vanilla extract. If the mixture is too watery, add a little flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
6. Let it cool completely before assembling.

Pro Tip: For a more rustic texture, you can mash some of the apples slightly after cooking to create a semi-chunky filling.

Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches).
3. Cut the sheet into long strips (about 2 inches wide).

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple mixture along one edge of each strip.
2. Roll the pastry strip into a spiral, like a cinnamon roll, starting from the apple-filled edge.
3. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart.
4. Brush each roll with beaten egg and sprinkle with a bit of granulated sugar.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.
2. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce or vanilla glaze for extra indulgence.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overfill: Use just enough apple filling so the rolls can close without spilling during baking.
• Chill your pastry: Keep puff pastry cold for better rise. If it warms up, chill it again before baking.
• Cook your apples first: Raw apples may release too much moisture and cause soggy pastry.
• Use parchment: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Test doneness: The rolls should be golden and crisp on the edges, with no wet spots in the middle.

Recipe Variations

These apple rolls are versatile — here are a few creative spins:

1. Apple & Raisin Rolls

Add a handful of soaked raisins to the filling for an extra burst of sweetness.

2. Apple-Cream Cheese Rolls

Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese on the puff pastry before adding the apple mixture.

3. Caramel Apple Rolls

Stir in chopped caramels or drizzle caramel inside before rolling for a gooey twist.

4. Apple & Almond Rolls

Sprinkle finely chopped almonds or almond paste in the filling and top with slivered almonds before baking.

5. Spiced Apple Chai Rolls

Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with chai spice mix for an aromatic, exotic flavor profile.

Make It Fit Your Diet

Here are suggestions for adapting the recipe based on your dietary preferences:

For a Healthier Version:

• Use coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar.
• Opt for a whole wheat or lower-fat puff pastry (if available).
• Reduce the amount of butter.

For Vegan Diets:

• Use vegan puff pastry (many store-bought versions are dairy-free).
• Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
• Use plant-based milk for the egg wash or omit it.

For Gluten-Free Diets:

• Use gluten-free puff pastry.
• Ensure all ingredients (like vanilla extract) are certified gluten-free.

How to Store & Reheat

• To store: Keep the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
• To reheat: Pop them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispness.
• To freeze: Wrap baked rolls in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen.

Why You’ll Love These Rolls

• Quick to make with store-bought puff pastry
• Elegant yet simple, perfect for beginner bakers
• Customizable with endless flavor variations
• Perfectly portable for picnics, potlucks, and holiday spreads
• Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt for other diets

Serving Ideas

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your flaky apple puff pastry rolls:

• With hot coffee or chai for breakfast
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream as dessert
• Drizzled with warm caramel or maple syrup
• As a beautiful addition to a fall dessert platter

Conclusion

Flaky Apple Puff Pastry Rolls (Roulés Feuilletés aux Pommes) are a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. They bring together the best of two worlds: the comforting flavor of spiced apples and the irresistible texture of crisp, golden puff pastry. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a holiday feast, or simply treating yourself on a cozy weekend, these apple rolls are a must-try.

From their gorgeous swirl shape to their buttery layers and cinnamon-kissed apple core, every bite is pure joy. Best of all? They look like they came from a bakery but are easy enough for anyone to make at home.