Easy Apple Turnovers – Buttery & Fruity Dessert
🍎 Flaky, Sweet, and Utterly Irresistible: Homemade Apple Turnovers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated October 2025
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking, filling your home with a cozy warmth that beckons everyone to gather. These homemade Apple Turnovers capture that magic in every golden, flaky bite. Imagine a delicate, buttery pastry, lovingly wrapped around a tender, spiced apple filling that bursts with sweet, caramelized notes. They’re a symphony of textures and flavors – the crisp give of the crust, the soft, yielding apples, and that comforting sweetness that just melts in your mouth. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a charming afternoon tea, or even a simple, satisfying dessert, these turnovers are a hug in pastry form, promising a little moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
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Quick Glance
⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8
💥 Vibe: Flaky, Sweet, Comforting
Jump Ahead
What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful pastries. You’ll be surprised how simple it is to bring such an impressive treat to life with just a few pantry staples.
- 2 sheets (about 1.1 lbs total) puff pastry, thawed according to package directions
- 3 medium baking apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar for glaze
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons milk or water for glaze
How to Make Apple Turnovers
Let’s get baking! This simple process will guide you to perfect, golden-brown apple turnovers that taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir gently until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it into a 12×12-inch square. Repeat with the second sheet.
- Cut the Pastry: Cut each 12×12-inch pastry square into four smaller 6×6-inch squares. You will have a total of 8 squares.
- Fill the Turnovers: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle a tiny amount of melted butter over the apple filling for extra richness.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a triangle shape. Press down firmly around the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal that will keep all that delicious apple goodness inside.
- Vent and Brush: Transfer the sealed turnovers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut two small slits on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking. In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the turnovers generously with the egg wash for that beautiful golden sheen.
- Sprinkle and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the tops of the turnovers. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let the turnovers cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes. If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk/water to create a simple glaze, and drizzle over the slightly warm turnovers before serving.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

The beauty of homemade treats is how easily you can make them your own! Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of apple turnovers:
- Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the turnovers after baking.
- Vanilla Bean Dream: Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or a tiny splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
- Cheese Please: For a savory-sweet twist, add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon) with the apples before folding. The combination is surprisingly delicious!
- A La Mode: Serve warm turnovers with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with a pinch of allspice or cardamom in your apple mixture for a different warm spice profile.
Reviews
Our readers can’t get enough of these delightful apple turnovers!
Sandra M. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These were an absolute hit for Sunday brunch! So easy to make with store-bought puff pastry, and the smell while baking was heavenly. My family devoured them!”
Loye L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’m usually intimidated by pastry, but this recipe made it so straightforward. The apples were perfectly tender and the crust was wonderfully flaky. Will definitely be making these again!”
Linda P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Pure comfort food! I added a little sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the pastry before folding, and it gave them an extra lovely crunch. Great with my morning coffee.”
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you bake the perfect apple turnovers every time.
Q: Can I use other types of apples?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith offers a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work wonderfully for baking. Choose an apple that holds its shape well when cooked.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the turnovers and refrigerate them for up to 2-3 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked turnovers on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Why is my puff pastry not puffing?
A: Several reasons could cause this. Ensure your puff pastry is still cold when you work with it – warmth can melt the butter layers. Avoid overworking the dough, which can inhibit its ability to puff. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover turnovers?
A: Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, gently warm them in a toaster oven before serving to revive their flaky texture.
A Sweet Embrace
There you have it – a recipe that brings the timeless joy of homemade apple turnovers right into your kitchen. These little pockets of sweet, spiced apple goodness wrapped in golden, flaky pastry are more than just a treat; they’re an experience, a memory in the making. They whisper of cozy mornings, shared laughter, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with your own hands. Don’t hesitate to dive in and let the comforting aroma fill your home and heart. Happy baking, friends!
Recipe Note
For an extra golden and crisp bottom, preheat your baking sheet in the oven while it warms up, then carefully place your parchment-lined turnovers onto the hot sheet for baking.
Apple Turnovers
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Servings: 8
Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 sheets (17.3 ounces total) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Mix well to coat the apples evenly. On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Roll it out slightly to about a 10×10 inch square. Cut the pastry into four equal squares (approximately 5×5 inches each). Repeat with the second sheet of puff pastry. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a small border. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to create a triangle. Gently press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork. Alternatively, you can make square turnovers by placing the filling in the center and folding all four corners to the middle, pinching to seal. Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops of the turnovers generously with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar or granulated sugar. Cut two small slits on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef’s Notes: For best results, ensure your puff pastry is very cold before working with it. If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use pie crust dough.
