If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a warm hug, you absolutely must try this Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe. Picture flaky, golden puff pastry encasing soft apples simmered with cinnamon and a touch of buttery caramelization, all finished off with a luscious drizzle of creamy glaze. These turnovers are the perfect blend of comforting fall flavors and irresistible textures that come together effortlessly to brighten any morning, afternoon snack, or dessert moment. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen and a family favorite worth sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating those mouthwatering turnovers. From the gentle tartness of Granny Smith apples to the buttery, flaky puff pastry, every ingredient contributes to a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance.
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed: Provides the crispy, flaky shell that brings the warm apple filling to life.
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour: Used for dusting to prevent sticking while rolling out the pastry.
- 1 1/4 lb Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, perfect for keeping their shape and balancing sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter: For sautéing the apples and enhancing their richness.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice to every bite.
- 1/8 tsp salt: A pinch to amplify the flavors and balance sweetness.
- 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water for egg wash: To seal and glaze the pastry perfectly golden.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the creamy, sweet glaze that tops the turnovers.
- 1-2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream: Adjusts the glaze to just the right consistency, creamy and smooth.
How to Make Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Puff Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F so it’s nice and hot when the turnovers go in. While you’re prepping the filling, thaw your puff pastry according to the package instructions. This will ensure the pastry is pliable but still cold enough to puff perfectly during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Apples to Perfection
In a medium pot, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced Granny Smith apples and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften—around 5 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness without turning them mushy.
Step 3: Add Flavor to the Filling
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let everything meld together for about 3 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool down—this prevents the pastry from getting soggy later.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Puff Pastry
Dust your workspace lightly with flour and unroll the first sheet of puff pastry. Using a rolling pin, roll it out into an 11-inch square. Then cut the sheet into four equal squares with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. This is where the magic starts to come together.
Step 5: Fill and Seal the Turnovers
Spoon the cooled apple mixture over half of each square, leaving at least a half-inch border to seal. Beat the egg with water to create an egg wash, and lightly brush the edges of the pastry squares. Fold the pastry over the filling to create triangles or rectangles, and crimp the edges tightly with a fork. Repeat this process with the second pastry sheet to yield eight turnovers total.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Place the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Use a paring knife to cut 2 or 3 small slits on top of each pastry—this allows steam to escape and keeps the crust crisp. Brush the tops with egg wash for a glossy finish, then bake for 20 to 23 minutes until golden and puffed.
Step 7: Drizzle with Creamy Glaze
While the turnovers are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until smooth. Adjust the amount of cream to get that perfect drizzle consistency—smooth but not too runny. Generously drizzle over the warm turnovers for a sweet, creamy finale that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Want to elevate your presentation? A light sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted nuts like pecans adds a lovely crunch and extra hints of flavor. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten and freshen the look, making these turnovers even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these warm turnovers on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or plate individually with a small ramekin of extra glaze for dipping. For a festive touch, wrap each turnover in a light paper to make a charming gift or party favor. They also shine beautifully layered in a dessert trifle or sliced alongside yogurt and granola for a unique twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (and honestly, it’s hard not to!), simply store the turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling delicious. For longer storage, refrigeration is an option, though the pastry may lose some of its flakiness.
Freezing
You can freeze these turnovers before baking by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until solid. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the turnovers in a preheated oven at 350ËšF for 10-15 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the pastry chewy. A quick warm-up in the oven ensures each bite stays as magnificent as when freshly baked, with that irresistible flaky crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced filling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are preferred for their tartness and firmness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter varieties may need a little less sugar in the filling to balance flavors.
Is puff pastry the best dough to use for turnovers?
Puff pastry is ideal for its buttery layers and crisp texture. You could substitute with homemade pie dough or phyllo dough, but each will produce a slightly different texture and flavor. Puff pastry offers that signature light puff and crispiness that’s hard to beat.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling, and if it’s too thick, add a splash of cream to loosen it up.
How do I prevent the turnovers from becoming soggy?
Make sure to let the apple filling cool completely before assembling the turnovers and avoid overfilling them. Also, the small slits on top during baking help steam escape, which keeps the pastry crisp and flaky.
Can these turnovers be made vegan?
You can swap the butter for a plant-based spread and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) or plant milk for the egg wash. For the glaze, use a dairy-free milk like coconut or almond and powdered sugar. The flavor will still be wonderful with just a few tweaks!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this delightful Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe as much as I enjoy making it. It’s one of those comforting, classic desserts that never fails to impress and bring joy. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these golden pockets of cinnamon-scented happiness. Trust me, every bite is worth it!
Print
Warm Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon and Creamy Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 38 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 turnovers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Apple Turnover recipe features flaky puff pastry filled with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apple filling. Perfectly golden and puffed, these turnovers are brushed with a smooth egg wash before baking and finished with a delicate powdered sugar glaze. Ideal for a cozy breakfast treat or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 lb puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed according to package instructions
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 1 egg + 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)
Apple Filling
- 1 1/4 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400ËšF (200ËšC). Meanwhile, thaw the puff pastry sheets as per package instructions while you prepare and cool the apple filling.
- Cook Apples: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the diced Granny Smith apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Caramelize Filling: Lower the heat to low and stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Simmer the mixture for 3 more minutes until the apples become soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.
- Prepare Pastry Squares: Lightly dust your work surface with 1 tablespoon flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the first sheet of puff pastry into an 11-inch square. Cut this square into 4 equal pieces using a pizza cutter. Repeat with the second sheet to yield 8 squares total.
- Fill and Seal Turnovers: Spoon the cooled apple filling onto half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Beat together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to make the egg wash. Lightly brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash, fold the unfilled half over the filling to create a triangle or rectangle, and tightly crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Repeat this process for all 8 turnovers.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the turnovers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring at least 1 inch of space between each. Using a paring knife, cut 2-3 small slits on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with the remaining egg wash.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 23 minutes or until the turnovers are golden brown and puffed up.
- Glaze: While the turnovers are still warm, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream until smooth and at your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the turnovers and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the apple filling is completely cooled before filling the pastry to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples for other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a different flavor profile.
- The egg wash helps create a beautiful golden color and acts as a glue to seal the turnovers properly.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add less cream; for a thinner glaze, add more cream gradually.
- To keep turnovers crisp longer, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days and reheat briefly in the oven.
