These easy apple turnovers bring all the comfort of classic apple pie into a flaky, golden, handheld pastry. Filled with a warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling and finished with a sweet maple glaze, they are simple to make yet impressive enough for guests. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things quick while still delivering a bakery-style result.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple turnovers are wonderfully simple and full of cozy flavor. The homemade apple filling is gooey, sweet, and lightly spiced, tasting just like traditional apple pie. Store-bought puff pastry makes the process fast and approachable, even for beginners. They are perfect for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon treat, and they can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later, making them incredibly convenient.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Filling
¼ cup salted butter
4 firm baking apples, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon water

Apple Turnovers
2 sheets puff pastry (about 454 grams or 1 lb), thawed if frozen
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Maple Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

Start by preparing the apple filling. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are soft and the mixture is bubbling.

In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool for at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet into a 12 by 12 inch square. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.

Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling into the center of each square. Lightly moisten the edges with water, fold the pastry diagonally to form a triangle, and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork and place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheets. Cut two small slits in the top of each turnover.

Whisk together the egg and water, then brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.

While the turnovers are warm, whisk the powdered sugar with enough maple syrup to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle over the turnovers before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 standard-sized apple turnovers.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 20 minutes of cooling time for the filling.
Baking time is 15 to 20 minutes.
Total time is approximately 55 to 60 minutes.

Variations

For extra indulgence, drizzle the turnovers with caramel sauce instead of maple glaze. You can also skip the glaze entirely and simply dust the warm turnovers with powdered sugar. Add extra spices like nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for a deeper, autumn-inspired flavor. Smaller turnovers can be made by cutting each puff pastry sheet into 9 squares instead of 4.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, placing a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

To freeze, store baked or unbaked turnovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking. Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

Can I make apple turnovers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the turnovers without egg wash, freeze them, and bake directly from frozen when needed.

What type of apples work best?

Firm baking apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the filling.

Can I skip the maple glaze?

Absolutely. The turnovers are delicious on their own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

How do I keep the turnovers from leaking?

Make sure the filling is cooled and not overfilled, and seal the edges well with water and a fork.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, homemade puff pastry works beautifully, though store-bought is faster and more convenient.

Are apple turnovers served warm or cold?

They are best served warm, but they are still enjoyable at room temperature.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, finely chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the apple filling for added texture.

Why did my turnovers turn soggy?

This usually happens if the filling is too wet or the turnovers are stored without airflow while still warm.

Can I make mini turnovers?

Yes, cutting the puff pastry into smaller squares works well for bite-sized turnovers.

How do I know when they are done baking?

They should be puffed, deeply golden, and crisp on the outside.

Conclusion

These easy apple turnovers are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without the effort. With a flaky crust, gooey cinnamon-spiced filling, and sweet maple glaze, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether made fresh, ahead of time, or from the freezer, they are sure to become a favorite treat you’ll return to again and again.

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