These easy, buttery, and incredibly flaky turnovers are stuffed with gooey cinnamon apples and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. You can use store-bought puff pastry or homemade dough for convenience. Chilling the turnovers before baking ensures they hold their shape and come out perfectly golden and crisp. This dessert is simple yet irresistible, perfect for any occasion!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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 & 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 (use either)
For the Egg Wash & Topping:
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) milk (any kind)
- Optional: 1/2 cup salted caramel for drizzling
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- If using homemade dough, follow through with the second refrigeration. If using store-bought puff pastry, ensure it’s thawed and kept in the fridge until use.
- Make the Apple Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced apples, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir constantly for 5 minutes, then reduce to low heat and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Baking Sheets:
- Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- Shape the Dough:
- Roll out homemade puff pastry to a 12-inch square and cut into nine 4-inch squares. For store-bought dough, unroll and cut each sheet into 4 squares. Place the squares onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Add the Filling:
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the center of each square. Fold one corner over the filling to form a triangle, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Chill the shaped turnovers in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven and Make the Egg Wash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over each chilled turnover. Cut 2-3 small steam vents into the tops.
- Bake the Turnovers:
- Bake for 23-25 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
- Cool and Drizzle with Caramel:
- Let the turnovers cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets. If desired, drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
- Drizzle additional caramel for extra indulgence.
Cooking Tips:
- Chilling the turnovers: This step ensures the turnovers hold their shape while baking.
- Apple varieties: Use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples for a balance of tart and sweet.
- Caramel topping: Drizzle warm caramel just before serving for the best gooey texture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- The turnovers contain moderate sugar, making them a sweet treat when enjoyed in moderation.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Contains gluten (from puff pastry).
- Contains eggs and dairy (from the egg wash and caramel sauce).
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Sugars: 21g
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store turnovers at room temperature for 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing (unbaked): Freeze the unbaked turnovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Freezing (baked): Freeze baked turnovers for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm up before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to make: Store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process while homemade dough makes it extra special.
- Deliciously flaky: Buttery, crisp layers filled with warm, spiced apples and caramel.
- Versatile: Serve as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack.
- Perfect for any occasion: These turnovers are impressive enough for gatherings but simple enough for everyday enjoyment.
Conclusion:
These apple cinnamon turnovers are a delightful combination of buttery puff pastry, sweet spiced apple filling, and a decadent caramel drizzle. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these turnovers are sure to impress. With the option to freeze them, you can always have this delicious treat on hand for whenever a craving strikes. Enjoy the warm, flaky goodness and don’t forget the caramel drizzle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different type of fruit for the filling?
Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work wonderfully as alternative fillings. - Can I make the turnovers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the turnovers and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. - Do I have to use an egg wash?
No, but the egg wash helps give the turnovers a golden, shiny crust. You can use just milk if preferred. - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works just as well for drizzling. - Can I make these turnovers dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free puff pastry and substitute the egg wash with non-dairy milk. - How do I prevent the turnovers from leaking filling?
Make sure the edges are crimped well, and don’t overfill the turnovers. - What’s the best way to reheat turnovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. - Can I skip chilling the turnovers before baking?
Chilling helps maintain the shape, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. - Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the apple filling. - How do I make gluten-free turnovers?
Use gluten-free puff pastry if available, or make a gluten-free dough substitute.