Homemade Apple Turnovers Recipe
Delight in these homemade apple turnovers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Perfectly golden and optionally drizzled with salted caramel, these turnovers make a delicious treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-9 turnovers 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dough
- 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)
Apple Filling
- 2 cups (240g) peeled & diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated or brown sugar
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any kind)
Optional
- 1/2 cup (145g) salted caramel, for drizzling
- Prepare the Dough: If making homemade rough puff pastry, prepare through the second refrigeration step. If using store-bought frozen puff pastry, ensure it is fully thawed. Keep dough refrigerated until ready to use.
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes to thicken further.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
- Shape the Dough: For homemade dough (makes 9 turnovers), roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch square. Cut into nine 4-inch squares. For store-bought dough (makes 8 turnovers), unroll the sheets and cut each into 4 squares. Transfer the squares evenly onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add the Filling: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of cooled apple filling into the center of each dough square. Fold one corner over the filling to form a triangle and crimp edges with a fork to seal. Some apple juices may leak, which is normal. Chill the prepared turnovers in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to firm up before baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over each chilled turnover. Make 2 or 3 small slits on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Turnovers: Bake the turnovers for 23 to 25 minutes until golden brown, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even browning. Expect some butter leakage from homemade dough, which is normal.
- Cool and Serve: Let turnovers cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
- Storage: Store leftover turnovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using store-bought puff pastry reduces prep time significantly.
- Chilling the turnovers before baking helps keep their shape and creates flakier crust.
- Apple juices may leak slightly during baking—this is normal and adds flavor.
- You can freeze the shaped turnovers before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Drizzle with salted caramel for a decadent touch, or enjoy plain for a classic flavor.
Keywords: apple turnovers, puff pastry, homemade pastry, cinnamon apple filling, dessert pastries, easy turnovers