Easy Apple Turnovers Recipe

Flaky puff pastry filled with spiced apples and cherries.

Craving a warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, spiced apples? These apple turnovers are the perfect solution. Made with store-bought puff pastry and a delicious filling of tart apples, dried cherries, and cozy spices, this recipe is simple yet impressive. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these turnovers will have your kitchen smelling amazing!

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

  • 1 1/4 pounds tart apples (such as Empire or Granny Smith, about 3 apples), peeled, cored, and diced

  • 3 tablespoons dried cherries

  • 3 tablespoons sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Pinch of kosher salt

  • 1 package (17.3 ounces, 2 sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted

  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine the orange zest and orange juice. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning.

  3. Peel, core, and dice the apples into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss them immediately in the orange mixture.

  4. Add the dried cherries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

  1. Lightly flour a work surface and roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 12x12-inch square.

  2. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you 8 squares total.

  3. Keep the squares chilled until ready to use to ensure they bake up flaky and crisp.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

  1. Brush the edges of each square with the egg wash to help seal the turnovers.

  2. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the apple mixture onto one half of each square, being careful not to overfill.

  3. Fold the pastry diagonally over the filling to create a triangle shape.

  4. Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.

  5. Transfer the turnovers to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Finish and Bake

  1. Brush the tops of the turnovers with more egg wash for a golden, glossy finish.

  2. Sprinkle with sugar for added crunch and sparkle.

  3. Cut two small slits on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape while baking.

  4. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the turnovers are golden brown and puffed.

  5. Cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

  • Enjoy alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Final Thoughts

These apple turnovers are the perfect blend of tart apples, sweet cherries, and warming spices, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They’re easy to make but look and taste like they came from a bakery.

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