Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Apple Turnovers are a classic, comforting pastry made with a flaky puff pastry crust and a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these turnovers are simple to make and deliver bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Their golden, crispy exterior and soft, cinnamon-kissed apple center make them irresistible.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

puff pastry sheets
apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
nutmeg
lemon juice
cornstarch
egg (for egg wash)
powdered sugar (optional for glaze)
milk or cream (optional for glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook until the mixture thickens and the apples are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.

Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares, about 5×5 inches each.

Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of each square.

Fold each square diagonally into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal.

Place the turnovers on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash.

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Optional: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk or cream to make a glaze and drizzle over the cooled turnovers.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6-8 turnovers.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 15 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add raisins or chopped walnuts to the apple filling for added texture.
Use pears or peaches instead of apples for a seasonal twist.
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the apple mixture for deeper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, for convenience, but homemade filling offers fresher flavor and texture.

Do I need to thaw the puff pastry?

Yes, thaw in the refrigerator until pliable but still cold.

Why did my turnovers leak?

Make sure edges are tightly sealed and don’t overfill.

Can I freeze turnovers?

Yes, freeze unbaked turnovers and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is egg wash necessary?

It helps with browning and gives a glossy finish, but can be skipped or substituted with milk.

What kind of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I make mini turnovers?

Yes, just cut smaller pastry squares and reduce the baking time slightly.

Should turnovers be served warm?

They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just bake in batches or use multiple trays.

How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?

Cool the filling before assembling and bake on parchment to allow air circulation.

Conclusion

Easy Apple Turnovers bring together flaky pastry and warm apple filling for a comforting, delicious treat that’s simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for guests. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have golden, bakery-style pastries ready to enjoy fresh from the oven.