Apple Turnovers
These Apple Turnovers are comfort food at its easiest, bringing warm, cozy flavor in every bite without much fuss.
Juicy apples are cooked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until thick and tender, then wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked until golden. A quick icing drizzle adds just the right finish, but they’re just as good without it.
This recipe is a go-to when you want something quick and homemade that still feels special. It’s the kind of treat anyone can make and everyone will enjoy. If you’ve got a sheet of puff pastry and a few apples, you’re ready to get started.
Apple Turnovers Recipe Highlights
- Made with simple pantry ingredients and one sheet of puff pastry
- Ready to bake in under 30 minutes
- No mixer needed, just a saucepan and a baking sheet
- Lightly sweet with a crisp golden crust and tender apple filling
- Great for fall treats, brunch trays, or weekday desserts
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PUFF PASTRY – I use refrigerated puff pastry for convenience and consistent results. Let it thaw slightly so it’s easy to roll out and cut into squares.
APPLES – I use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth. Peel and dice them small so they cook quickly and evenly.
SUGARS – Brown sugar adds warm, caramel notes to the filling while raw sugar on top gives the turnovers a sweet crunch after baking.
SPICES – Just cinnamon is needed here. It pairs perfectly with the apples and keeps the flavor classic and familiar.
CORNSTARCH – Acts as a thickener for the apple mixture so it doesn’t leak from the turnovers as they bake.
BUTTER – Brushed on top for a golden finish and helps the raw sugar stick.
OPTIONAL ICING – Powdered sugar mixed with milk gives you a quick glaze to drizzle over the cooled turnovers.
How To Make Apple Turnovers
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Cook apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a saucepan until soft and thickened.
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into six squares.
- Add filling, fold into triangles, and seal the edges.
- Cut slits on top, brush with butter, sprinkle with sugar, bake until golden brown.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Keep Apple Turnovers leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
FREEZE – Freeze fully baked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.
REHEAT – Reheat the Apple Turnovers in a 300° Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes to revive the crisp crust.
MAKE AHEAD – The filling can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh when ready.
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Serving Suggestions
COFFEE OR TEA – A warm drink is the perfect match for these turnovers, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or an afternoon treat.
CINNAMON WHIPPED CREAM – Stir a little ground cinnamon into sweetened whipped cream for a quick topping that makes these feel extra special.
BERRIES OR SLICED PEARS – Add a handful of fresh berries or sliced pears on the side for a simple, refreshing contrast.
YOGURT PARFAIT – Break up a turnover and layer it with vanilla yogurt and granola for a fun breakfast or snack option.
ICE CREAM – Serve warm turnovers with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a plated dessert that takes almost no effort.
Recipe Success Tips
COOL THE FILLING – Let the apple mixture cool for a few minutes before assembling. Warm filling can soften the pastry and make it harder to seal.
SEAL THE EDGES WELL – Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to lock in the filling and prevent leaks.
CUT SLITS IN THE TOP – Small cuts help steam escape so the turnovers bake evenly and stay crisp.
USE COLD PUFF PASTRY – Keep the pastry slightly chilled until assembly. Warm dough won’t puff properly and may lose its shape.
DON’T OVERFILL – Stick to about 2 to 3 tablespoons of filling. Overstuffing leads to gaps, leaks, or bursting in the oven.
Expert Tip – If you’re making these for guests, bake one first as a trial run. You’ll be able to adjust the filling amount and bake time for the best results with your oven.
Commonly Asked Questions
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Most apples will work well in this recipe, such as honey crisp, cosmic crisp, gala, fuji, granny smith, and more!
Can I Use Frozen Puff Pastry?
Yes, just let it thaw in the fridge until pliable. Do not let it get too soft or sticky before rolling.
Can I Make Apple Turnovers Without the Icing?
Absolutely. The raw sugar topping adds enough sweetness on its own, but the icing adds a soft finish if you want it.
How Do I Stop The Apple Turnovers From Leaking?
Cool the filling, don’t overfill, and seal the edges well. Slits on top also help release steam during baking.
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Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry refrigerated
- 3 large apples peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar or turbinado
Optional Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, stirring constantly for 5 to 8 minutes, until the apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens.
- Roll out the puff pastry to a 10-by-15-inch rectangle and cut into six equal 5-inch squares.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the apple filling into the center of each square, then fold one corner over to form a triangle.
- Press the edges to seal, then cut three small slits in the top of each turnover to vent steam.
- Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with raw sugar. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let the turnovers cool before drizzling with icing.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.