Warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. That’s exactly what you get with these Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers. They’re the perfect combination of buttery puff pastry, tender apple filling, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg.

Breakfast, dessert, or as a snack with your afternoon coffee, these turnovers are sure to impress. They’re easy to make, look stunning, and taste even better.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Turnovers

Let’s be honest—these turnovers are a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

1. They’re quick and easy. With store-bought puff pastry, you can have these ready in under 45 minutes.

2. Perfect for any occasion. Breakfast, dessert, or even a fancy snack—these turnovers fit the bill.

3. Totally customizable. Add nuts, raisins, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.

4. Impressive yet simple. They look like they came from a bakery but are surprisingly easy to make.

5. Great for beginners. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple steps and delicious results.

How to Make Them

Making these Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers is as easy as 1-2-3, but I’ll break it down into detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure success. Let’s dive in:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and chop the apples. Start with 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp). Peel them, remove the cores, and chop them into small, even pieces.
Cook the filling. In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is slightly thickened.
Cool the filling. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This prevents the puff pastry from getting soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry. If using frozen puff pastry, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for about 30-40 minutes. It should be cold but pliable.
Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the pastry. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth any seams. If it’s already pre-rolled, you can skip this step.
Cut into squares. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

Add the filling. Place 2-3 tbsp of the cooled apple filling in the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill.
Fold and seal. Fold one corner of the pastry over the filling to meet the opposite corner, creating a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Cut vents. Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits in the top of each turnover. This allows steam to escape during baking.
Brush with egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tbsp water. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the turnovers. This gives them a shiny, golden finish.
Sprinkle with sugar. For extra sweetness and crunch, sprinkle the turnovers with 1-2 tbsp of coarse sugar (like turbinado or sanding sugar).

Step 4: Bake the Turnovers

Arrange on the baking sheet. Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them.
Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
Cool. Transfer the turnovers to a wire rack and let them cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Turnovers

Use cold puff pastry. It’s easier to work with and bakes up flakier.
Don’t overfill. Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking.
Seal the edges well. Press firmly with a fork to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Let the filling cool. Warm filling can make the pastry soggy.
Experiment with flavors. Add raisins, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair.

Make Ahead Method

Prepare the filling. You can make the apple filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Assemble and freeze. Assemble the turnovers and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Store baked turnovers. Baked turnovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Storage Options

Store baked turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freeze unbaked turnovers for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Tools For This Recipe

Baking sheet. For baking the turnovers.
Parchment paper. Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Rolling pin. For rolling out the puff pastry.
Sharp knife or pizza cutter. For cutting the pastry.
Pastry brush. For brushing with egg wash.
Wire rack. For cooling the baked turnovers.

FAQs!

Can I use homemade puff pastry?
Yes, but store-bought works great and saves time.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free puff pastry or make your own.

Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Try pears, peaches, or berries for a twist.

Why did my turnovers burst open?
This can happen if the edges aren’t sealed well or if the filling is too wet. Make sure to press the edges firmly and let the filling cool completely.

Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes, but the egg wash gives the turnovers a shiny, golden finish.

Variations and Substitutions

Raisin Apple Turnovers: Add ¼ cup raisins to the apple filling.
Nutty Apple Turnovers: Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

Caramel Apple Turnovers: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked turnovers.
Savory Turnovers: Skip the sugar and fill the pastry with cheese, spinach, or cooked sausage.

Conclusion

These Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers are the perfect treat for any occasion—flaky, sweet, and totally delicious. They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and always a hit with everyone who tries them.

Give them a try and let me know how they turned out for you in the comments! Did you add any twists? I’d love to hear your thoughts!