Flaky puff pastry filled with cinnamon-spiced apples
Apple Turnovers
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
8 turnovers
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Golden, flaky puff pastry turnovers filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with a vanilla glaze. A bakery-worthy breakfast pastry.
Cuisine: American, French
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian
Quick Summary
45 min total time|8 servings|Easy difficulty
Golden, flaky puff pastry turnovers filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with a vanilla glaze. A bakery-worthy breakfast pastry.
AmericanFrenchVegetarian
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Apple turnovers are the kind of pastry that makes any morning feel special. A golden, shattering-crisp puff pastry shell encases a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling that is sweet, tender, and fragrant. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, these are everything you love about apple pie in a handheld, portable package.
Using store-bought puff pastry makes these surprisingly quick and easy. The filling cooks on the stovetop in just a few minutes — diced apples sauteed with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until soft and jammy. The assembly is straightforward, and the oven does the rest.
Make these for weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert. They are best served warm, when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is still gooey.
Ingredients
- 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced small
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (glaze)
Instructions
- 1
Cook the filling: melt butter in a skillet, add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook 5-6 minutes until apples are softened. Add cornstarch slurry and lemon juice. Cook 1 minute until thickened. Let cool.
- 2
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- 3
Unfold puff pastry and cut each sheet into 4 squares.
- 4
Place 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling in the center of each square. Fold diagonally to form triangles and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- 5
Place on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Cut 2-3 small slits in the top for steam.
- 6
Bake for 18-22 minutes until puffed and deeply golden.
- 7
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over warm turnovers.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Puff pastryCrescent roll dough
Different texture but a quick alternative
ApplesPeaches, cherries, or mixed berries
Any fruit works with the same technique
Vanilla glazeCinnamon sugar dusting
Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar right out of the oven
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Thaw puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight for the best handling.
Cool the filling completely before filling — hot filling will melt the pastry.
Press the edges firmly with a fork to prevent leaking during baking.
These are best served warm the day they are made.
Storage
Store at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Do not microwave — it makes the pastry soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 turnover) · 8 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein3g
Carbohydrates38g
Fat14g
Fiber2g
Sugar20g
Sodium100mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make homemade puff pastry?
- You can, but it is a multi-hour process. Store-bought puff pastry is high quality and saves enormous time.
- Can I freeze unbaked turnovers?
- Yes. Assemble, freeze on a sheet, then bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
- What apples work best?
- Granny Smith for tart, Honeycrisp for sweet. A mix of both is ideal.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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