Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Turnovers: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection


  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (if using store-bought puff pastry) / 4 hours (if making puff pastry from scratch)
  • Yield: 8-12 turnovers 1x

Description

Flaky, golden apple turnovers with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet treat. Use homemade or store-bought puff pastry.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3/4 cup (177ml) ice water
  • 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk or water
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk or lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Add the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pieces of butter still visible.
  3. Add the Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Mix until the dough just comes together. It should be shaggy and not completely smooth.
  4. Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a rectangle. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. First Turn: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
  6. Second Turn: Repeat the rolling and folding process (another single turn). Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
  7. Third Turn: Repeat the rolling and folding process one more time (another single turn). Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
  8. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces.
  9. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
  10. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the filling has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
  11. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apple filling cool completely.
  12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  13. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  14. Cut the Pastry: Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the pastry into squares, about 4-5 inches each.
  15. Fill the Turnovers: Place a generous spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each square.
  16. Fold and Seal: Fold the pastry over diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a good seal.
  17. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water). Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash.
  18. Bake: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
  19. Cool: Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before glazing (optional) or serving.
  20. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or lemon juice) until smooth. Add more milk or lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  21. Glaze the Turnovers: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled turnovers. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use very cold butter and ice water when making the puff pastry.
  • If you don’t have time to make your own puff pastry, store-bought puff pastry works well.
  • Make sure the apple filling is completely cooled before filling the turnovers to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
  • Crimp the edges of the turnovers well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
  • Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the turnovers while they are baking.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes