Homemade Apple Turnovers

There’s something undeniably comforting about homemade pastries, especially when they’re stuffed with gooey cinnamon apples and drizzled with caramel sauce. Apple turnovers bring a burst of flavor in every bite, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, a sweet snack, or even dessert. What makes these turnovers extra special is the contrast between the buttery, flaky crust and the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, topped with a luscious drizzle of caramel.

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Whether you choose to make your own puff pastry dough or opt for a convenient store-bought version, these apple turnovers are bound to impress. They’re simple to prepare and offer a deliciously indulgent experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these turnovers are a timeless favorite that will transport you to the heart of autumn with every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 lb. homemade rough puff pastry or store-bought frozen & thawed puff pastry (2 sheets)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups (240g) peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated or brown sugar (your choice)

For the Egg Wash and Topping:

• 1 large egg*
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any type)
• Optional: 1/2 cup salted caramel for drizzling

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If you’re using homemade rough puff pastry, make sure you’ve completed the refrigeration steps as outlined in your recipe. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, ensure that it has been thoroughly thawed. The dough should be kept cold before you work with it, so refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape the turnovers.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Begin by preparing the apple filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and your choice of granulated or brown sugar. Stir the mixture constantly for about 5 minutes. The apples will begin to soften and release their juices. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

While the filling cools, it’s time to shape the dough. If you’re using homemade dough, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out into a 12-inch square. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 9 even squares. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, unroll the sheets on a lightly floured surface and cut each sheet into 4 squares, yielding 8 squares total. Place the dough squares onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 4: Add the Filling

Once the filling has cooled, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of each dough square. Carefully fold one corner of each square over the filling to create a triangle shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing the turnover securely. It’s normal if a little bit of the filling leaks out during this process—just be sure to press down firmly to prevent the apples from spilling out completely. Once the turnovers are shaped, refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes to ensure they hold their shape while baking. You can also refrigerate them for up to an hour if you prefer.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to gently coat each turnover with the egg wash. This will give them a golden, glossy finish. Using a sharp knife or scissors, make 2 or 3 small slits in the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Turnovers

Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 23-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Be sure to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. As they bake, the buttery aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for these delicious pastries to finish. Don’t be alarmed if some butter leaks out from the homemade dough; this is perfectly normal.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the turnovers are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle each turnover with salted caramel before serving. The rich, buttery crust paired with the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and the caramel sauce creates a heavenly combination that’s sure to please.

Tips and Variations:

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apples: The best apples for baking are those that hold their shape and have a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are excellent choices. If you’re looking for a sweeter option, try Fuji apples.
• Sugar: You can use either granulated sugar or brown sugar in the filling. Brown sugar will give the turnovers a slightly deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Egg Wash: If you’d prefer not to use an egg wash, you can substitute with milk (about 3 tablespoons) for a golden finish, though it won’t be as shiny as with the egg.
• Nuts and Raisins: Add texture and flavor by mixing in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins to the apple filling. About 1/4 cup of either is a great addition!

Variations:

• Spices: In addition to cinnamon, you can experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to customize the flavor of the apple filling.
• Caramel: For a richer flavor, drizzle with salted caramel sauce, or create a simple caramel glaze by heating sugar and butter in a saucepan until golden and smooth.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shaped, unbaked turnovers for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake them, simply thaw them in the fridge and proceed with the egg wash and baking. Baked turnovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• These apple turnovers are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with additional caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• They make an excellent addition to breakfast or brunch, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• You can even pack them up for a delicious snack to take on the go.

The Perfect Apple Turnover Experience

With their irresistibly flaky crust, gooey apple filling, and sweet caramel drizzle, these homemade apple turnovers are the epitome of comfort food. The contrast of the warm filling and the crisp pastry creates a delightful texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, these turnovers are sure to bring joy to anyone who tastes them. Their heavenly aroma and golden-brown finish will make you proud to serve them, while the deliciously spiced apple filling will have everyone coming back for seconds.

So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure pastry perfection. Happy baking!