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Homemade Apple Turnovers Recipe

4.6 from 87 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let turnovers cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Optionally, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence.
  10. 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