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Flaky Apple Turnovers
AppleMedium

Flaky Apple Turnovers

From the Blog Author

This Flaky Apple Turnovers recipe is one of my favorites because the aroma of cinnamon, butter, and sweet apples that fills my kitchen each time I bake instantly transports me to mornings with my grandmother, flipping apples in a skillet over an old coal stove. The golden, buttery layers hugging the soft, spiced apple center feels like a warm hug, and the quick turnaround makes it a go-to for busy mornings. What I love most is how the dough turns crisp and golden without burning, while the apples remain juicy yet slightly caramelized; the mix of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice gives the filling a bright, classic flavor that balances sweetness and tartness. I also use a small pinch of salt to enhance the spices, and a beaten egg with milk as a light glaze that gives the turnovers a lustrous sheen as they bake. Because the recipe is so simple—just roll out the dough, cut into squares, fill, fold, and seal—new bakers can finish a batch in about twenty minutes, even on a hectic weekday. A key tip from my experience is to keep the dough chilled: before you start, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes, then work quickly so that the butter stays cold and the pastry stays flaky. If the dough warms up, pop a handful back into the fridge for a few minutes—it’s a small step that saves flaky turnovers for a lifetime. Give them a try and share your kitchen stories with me; I’d love to read how your turnovers baked, whether you added a splash of bourbon or swapped cinnamon for allspice. Drop an email or a comment, and let me know the outcome—mistakes, happy surprises, or everything in between.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized cooking apples
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound puff pastry
  • 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2

Combine the lemon juice and diced apples in a bowl.

3

Add the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter to the apples and mix well.

4

On a floured surface, roll each sheet of puff pastry to a 12-inch by 12-inch (30cm by 30cm) square.

5

Cut each sheet into 4 squares and keep them chilled until ready to use.

6

Transfer the pastry squares to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7

Brush the edges of each square with egg wash, then place 1/3 cup of the apple mixture onto one half of each square.

8

Fold the pastry diagonally over the apple mixture and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

9

Brush the tops with egg wash, cut a small slit in the top of each turnover, and bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and puffed.

10

Let the turnovers cool for 5 minutes.

11

Mix the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla, and beat until smooth to create the icing.

12

Drizzle each turnover with the icing.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Flaky Apple Turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the turnovers completely before baking and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing them in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, though you might need to add a few extra minutes to the 25-minute bake time.

What is the best way to store leftover baked apple turnovers?

Store cooled, leftover Flaky Apple Turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen baked for up to 3 months; reheat them in a 350°F oven until warmed through to re-crisp the pastry.

What kind of apples should I use for the best filling texture in this recipe?

For the best results, use firm, slightly tart cooking apples like Granny Smith, as they hold their shape well during baking. The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized cooking apples, ensuring the mixture of light brown and granulated sugar perfectly balances the tartness after cooking for 25 minutes.