Name: Apple Turnovers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Granny Smith apples, diced (about 2 cups); 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Pinch of salt; 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed; Flour for dusting; 1 egg, whisked with 1 tbsp water (egg wash); Sanding or turbinado sugar (optional)

If you’re dreaming of flaky, buttery pastries wrapped around a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, this Apple Turnovers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with fresh, tangy Granny Smith apples and a golden puff pastry crust, these turnovers are both delightfully simple to make and irresistibly delicious to eat.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Super easy to prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have homemade turnovers ready in no time.
Perfect balance of sweet and tart: The Granny Smith apples give a natural crispness that pairs beautifully with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
> Flaky, golden puff pastry: The store-bought puff pastry makes the process accessible while delivering professional-level flakiness.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a charming dessert, these turnovers always impress.

Five golden brown triangular pastries with a flaky, slightly crispy texture are arranged with four on a wire rack and one on a white plate stacked over another white plate. The pastries show uneven golden patches indicating they are baked with a shiny top layer. Around them, there are four green apples, two whole and one sliced in half showing the light cream inside. On the marble white surface, there is a small white bowl with granulated sugar and a silver spoon resting in it, and a blue cloth with white stripes is partly under the plates. The scene has a clean, bright look with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Turnovers, homemade apple turnovers, flaky puff pastry apple turnovers, cinnamon apple turnovers, easy apple dessert

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Apple Turnovers Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or appearance—from the tart apples providing freshness to the buttery puff pastry offering that iconic flakiness.

Flat lay of bright green diced Granny Smith apples, golden brown sugar crystals, warm cinnamon sticks, a fresh lemon wedge, smooth sheets of pale puff pastry, a small bowl of raw turbinado sugar, and a whisked egg with a glossy finish, all beautifully arranged with a scattering of flour dust, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Turnovers, homemade apple turnovers, flaky puff pastry apple turnovers, cinnamon apple turnovers, easy apple dessert

Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness, and their firm texture holds up perfectly during baking.
Brown sugar: Adds richness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
Cinnamon: A classic spice that infuses warmth and depth to the filling.

Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor.
Frozen puff pastry sheets: Convenient and flaky, it’s the secret weapon for effortlessly delicious turnovers.
Egg wash: Gives the turnovers a shiny, golden-brown finish.
Sanding or turbinado sugar (optional): Adds a charming sparkle and subtle crunch on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Apple Turnovers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by tossing diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and fresh lemon juice in a large bowl. This simple mixture softens the apples slightly and lets the flavors meld as it rests, building a deliciously spiced filling that’s sweet with just the right zesty kick.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets to about 12 by 12 inches. Then, cut each sheet into four equal squares. This step creates perfectly sized pockets for your apple filling, ensuring even baking and a tidy, handheld treat.

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

Spoon a generous amount of the apple mixture into the center of each pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold each square diagonally into a triangle and press the edges firmly together. Crimp the edges with a fork for a lovely, sealed finish that keeps all the juicy flavor locked inside.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches and Bake

Brush each turnover with an egg wash to achieve that beautiful golden crust, and sprinkle with sanding sugar if you’re using it for extra sparkle and crunch. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes or until puffed and golden. Once out of the oven, let the turnovers cool slightly on a wire rack before digging in.

How to Serve Apple Turnovers Recipe

The image shows three golden-brown triangular pastries stacked on a white plate over a blue and white striped cloth. The top pastry is broken open, revealing soft, small cubes of apple mixed with cinnamon inside. The pastry layers are flaky and crisp with a shiny, slightly textured surface. In the background, a wire rack holds more pastries, and there are two green apples, one whole and one halved, on a white marbled surface. The light is soft, enhancing the warm tones of the pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Turnovers, homemade apple turnovers, flaky puff pastry apple turnovers, cinnamon apple turnovers, easy apple dessert

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the turnovers for added sweetness and charm. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also elevates this treat to a dreamy dessert.

Side Dishes

Though wonderful on their own, these apple turnovers pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. For brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or fresh whipped cream to balance the flaky pastry and warm apple filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the turnovers on a rustic wooden board with slices fanned out to show off the gooey inside. You can also top them with freshly chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon sugar to add texture and visual appeal for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They maintain their flakiness best on the first day but are still delicious the next day when gently reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked turnovers by assembling them on a sheet tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen with a slight increase in baking time, and enjoy fresh-baked turnovers anytime.

Reheating

Reheat apple turnovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you prefer to keep the puff pastry flaky instead of soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter and softer filling. Just keep in mind that juicier apples might release more liquid during baking.

Is it possible to make apple turnovers vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup or water. The turnovers will still bake up golden and delicious.
Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare and assemble the turnovers, then freeze them raw. When you want a fresh treat, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I keep the turnovers from getting soggy?

Let the apple filling rest and release some juices before assembling, and make sure to seal the edges properly. Baking on parchment with enough space around each turnover helps maintain crispness, too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky apple turnover fresh from the oven. I hope this Apple Turnovers Recipe brings you as much joy making and eating it as it has brought me sharing it with you. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a go-to for cozy mornings and sweet cravings alike!

Apple Turnovers Recipe