These turnovers are the perfect balance of convenience and deliciousness. Puff pastry provides a crisp, buttery shell that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling inside. They’re quick to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and can be made ahead and frozen. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a brunch, or a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheets (thawed if frozen)
Apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar (optional)
Ground cinnamon
Lemon juice
Cornstarch or flour (for thickening)
Egg (for egg wash)
Water
Powdered sugar and milk (optional glaze)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens. Let cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 4 to 6 equal squares.
Place a spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each square. Fold the pastry over into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Beat the egg with a splash of water. Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash and cut a small slit or poke holes in the top for steam to escape.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Optional: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk to create a glaze, then drizzle over the slightly cooled turnovers before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 turnovers. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and bake time is 18–22 minutes. Total time is around 45 minutes.
Variations
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier filling.
Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Replace apples with pears, peaches, or berries for a fruity twist.
Add a small cube of caramel or a drizzle of caramel sauce inside each turnover.
Make mini turnovers using smaller pastry squares for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the turnovers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them before baking.
Can I freeze the turnovers?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to cook the apple filling?
Cooking the apples beforehand ensures they’re soft and flavorful, and it prevents a soggy pastry.
What’s the best apple to use?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and offer a nice sweet-tart balance.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but homemade filling gives a fresher taste and better texture. If using canned, use slightly less to avoid overfilling.
How do I keep the turnovers from opening?
Seal the edges firmly with a fork and use egg wash to help bind the edges. Don’t overfill.
Do I need to score or vent the top?
Yes, a small slit or hole helps steam escape and prevents the turnovers from bursting open.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use a dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour or tapioca starch as a thickener instead.
Can I glaze them with something else?
Try brushing the tops with melted butter and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Conclusion
Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that delivers warm, spiced apple flavor wrapped in crisp, buttery pastry. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, they’re the kind of treat that’s always welcome on the table. Keep puff pastry in your freezer and you’ll be ready to whip up a batch anytime a craving strikes.
Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers are golden, flaky hand pies filled with cinnamon-spiced apple filling. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, offering bakery-style flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
1 package puff pastry sheets (2 sheets, thawed if frozen)
2–3 apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch or all-purpose flour
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze)
1–2 tsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Let cool slightly.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut each sheet into 3 equal squares, making 6 squares total.
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square. Fold each into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.
Beat the egg with water and brush the tops of each turnover with the egg wash.
Cut a small slit or poke holes in the tops to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 18–22 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Optional: Mix powdered sugar with milk to form a glaze and drizzle over slightly cooled turnovers before serving.
Notes
Use firm apples to prevent them from turning mushy.Seal edges well and vent the tops to avoid bursting during baking.Add chopped nuts or caramel for added flavor and texture.Freeze unbaked turnovers for easy make-ahead baking.Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness—avoid the microwave.
