Whipped Brown Sugar & Cream Cheese Apple Puff Pastries

A cozy homemade treat with flaky puff pastry, whipped brown sugar cream cheese, and caramelized apples.

These homemade apple puff pastries are the ultimate fall dessert (or breakfast, we won’t judge). Buttery, flaky pastry dough made from scratch wraps around a dreamy whipped brown sugar and cream cheese filling, all topped with warm, sautéed cinnamon apples. Baked to golden perfection, these pastries are the kind of thing you want with a hot cup of coffee and a fuzzy blanket.

This recipe is perfect for using up apples on the verge of going bad, impressing brunch guests, or adding a little extra magic to your dessert table. Plus, they store well and can be reheated for a sweet, buttery treat any time of day.

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Ingredients

For the Puff Pastry Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• ½ cup plain yogurt

• ⅓ cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

• 3 small apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Optional: fresh thyme for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Homemade Puff Pastry

1. In a stand mixer, combine flour and cold cubed butter. Mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse sand.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together yogurt, white wine vinegar, and ice water.

3. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Mix just until a dough forms—don’t overmix!

4. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whip softened cream cheese and brown sugar until light and smooth. Make sure there are no sugar lumps!

Step 3: Caramelize the Apples

1. Thinly slice apples after removing the cores (no need to peel unless you prefer).

2. In a sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

3. Add the apple slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Cook until golden and softened, about 5–7 minutes. Cover for the last 2–3 minutes to steam and soften more evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Puff Pastries

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into 5–6 inch x 3–4 inch rectangles.

3. Fold and press down the edges to create a raised border. Use a fork to crimp for a classic look.

4. Brush the edges with beaten egg to help them turn golden and crisp.

5. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each rectangle, then top with caramelized apples.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Transfer pastries to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

3. Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme for a pop of herby brightness and beautiful presentation.

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 Tips for the Best Puff Pastries:

• Keep your butter cold while making the dough for maximum flakiness.

• Make extra and freeze before baking—just add a few minutes to the bake time!

• Swap apples for pears or peaches for a seasonal twist.