Craving a delicious homemade dessert? These Apple Turnovers are the perfect balance of flaky puff pastry and a warm, spiced apple filling. With tender Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, these turnovers are a comforting treat that’s sure to please. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, this simple recipe yields a golden, crispy pastry with a sweet, gooey apple filling inside. Drizzle with a sweet glaze for a decadent finish. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed according to package instructions
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
1 1/4 lb Granny Smith apples (3 medium), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/3″ thick pieces
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg + 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Remove the puff pastry from the freezer and allow it to thaw according to the package instructions while you prepare the apple filling.
In a medium pot, melt 1 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook, stirring occasionally until softened (about 5 minutes).
Lower the heat to low and stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp salt. Simmer for another 3 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Roll the first sheet of thawed pastry into an 11″ square using a rolling pin. Using a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 equal-sized squares.
Place the cooled apple mixture on one half of each square, leaving at least a 1/2″ border around the edges.
In a small bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 Tbsp of water to create the egg wash. Brush the egg wash lightly along the edges of the pastry to help seal the turnovers. Fold the edges over the filling to form a triangle shape, and crimp the edges tightly with a fork to seal.
Repeat steps 4-6 with the second sheet of puff pastry, making a total of 8 turnovers.
Arrange the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least 1″ of space between them. Use a paring knife to cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
While the turnovers are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream (adjust the amount of cream to reach your desired glaze consistency). Drizzle the glaze over the turnovers and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Apple Turnovers are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, spiced apples. The golden, puffed pastry surrounds a deliciously caramelized apple filling with a hint of cinnamon, creating a treat that’s both comforting and irresistible. The simple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making them look and taste like a professional bakery creation at home.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Tips:
- Be sure to cool the apple mixture slightly before filling the turnovers to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the apple filling.
- Keep the edges of the pastry clean when sealing, ensuring the turnovers stay well sealed during baking.
Variations:
- Swap Granny Smith apples for any variety of apple you prefer. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well for a less tart filling.
- Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the apple filling for added texture.
- Try a savory twist by filling with sautéed mushrooms and cheese for a savory turnover.
Substitutions:
- You can use store-bought pie crusts instead of puff pastry for a different texture.
- If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can substitute with milk for a lighter glaze.

FAQs

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the turnovers, assemble them, and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use other fruit? Absolutely! Pears or berries make great substitutions for apples. Just adjust the sugar and spices to complement the fruit you use.
Do I need to glaze the turnovers? The glaze is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and a glossy finish to the turnovers. You can skip it for a less sweet treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these apple turnovers warm as a delightful breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or dessert. Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.