
Golden puff pastry filled with warm spiced apples delivers the ultimate comfort for busy mornings or an inviting brunch table. These Breakfast Roll-Ups combine ease with a sweet aromatic filling and always disappear fast in my home.
When I first made these for a weekend brunch everyone reached for seconds before they even cooled off and now I always keep puff pastry in my freezer just for these mornings.
Ingredients
- Puff pastry sheet: Look for all butter or quality brands for the best flavor and flakiness
- Apple: Choose a crisp and tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance
- Brown sugar: Deepens the filling flavor opt for fresh soft sugar without lumps
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth use a fresh bottle for bold aroma
- Ground nutmeg: Lends extra spice optional but lovely if available
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness melted thoroughly for easy mixing
- Egg: For brushing choose a fresh egg for shine
- Granulated sugar: Gives a sparkling crunchy top use fine crystals for even coverage
- Optional toppings: Powdered sugar nuts or maple syrup personalizes your treat finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to guarantee a nonstick golden result
- Mix the Apple Filling:
- Combine diced apple brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and melted butter in a bowl until each apple piece is evenly coated with the fragrant sugars and spices
- Prepare the Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface gently unroll the puff pastry and cut it into rectangles about four to six pieces depending on your desired roll size making sure each rectangle will hold a good spoonful of filling and still wrap up tight
- Fill the Pastry:
- Spoon the apple filling onto one end of each rectangle pressing lightly so it will not spill out during rolling
- Roll and Seal:
- Carefully roll each pastry from the filled edge and seal the ends by dabbing on a tiny bit of water with your finger then lay each roll seam side down for even baking
- Egg Wash and Sugar:
- Brush each roll with the beaten egg ensuring all exposed dough is covered for shine and color then sprinkle with granulated sugar for a crunchy golden top
- Bake:
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for eighteen to twenty two minutes watching for a deep golden color and letting the aroma guide you your kitchen will smell incredible
- Finish and Serve:
- Cool on a rack for five minutes then add a final dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of syrup if desired they are fantastic warm but equally tasty at room temp

My favorite thing about these roll ups is the way the spiced apple center melts slightly into the pastry delivering a mix of gooey and crispy in every bite. My kids once called these apple pillows and the name stuck in our family cookbook.
Storage Tips
These keep well in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature. For longer storage refrigerate them and reheat gently in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees until warmed through. The texture stays flakiest when reheated in the oven rather than the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a new twist. If you are out of brown sugar white sugar with a touch of molasses works nicely. Frozen puff pastry brands vary so use what you have just be sure to thaw completely before starting. For a vegan option use plant based butter and non dairy milk for brushing.
Serving Suggestions
Lovely with a scoop of yogurt for breakfast or a side of sliced fruit for brunch. You can add a handful of chopped toasted nuts inside for crunch. Drizzle with warm maple syrup or even a little caramel for a dessert style treat.

Cultural Context
Pastry wrapped fruit is a nostalgic comfort all over the world from French chaussons aux pommes to American turnovers. This quick roll up version brings that classic bakery flavor home without a lot of fuss or fancy skills required.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears or peaches also pair well with puff pastry and warm spices. Adjust sugar to match fruit sweetness.
- → How do I keep roll-ups crisp?
Allow the roll-ups to cool slightly on a wire rack after baking. This prevents sogginess from steam.
- → Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when needed. Or freeze unbaked for future use; thaw before baking.
- → What toppings work well?
Try powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
- → Is puff pastry best freshly baked?
They are crispiest right out of the oven, but can be reheated gently to restore flakiness.
- → Can I add protein for a heartier option?
Small pieces of cooked bacon or sausage can be added to the filling for a savory twist.