Transform store-bought puff pastry into a family favorite recipe for Easy Apple Turnovers.
We are fresh off the celebration of the 10-year anniversary of Just a Taste. In many ways it feels like a lifetime ago when I decided to start sharing my mom’s beloved recipes, but in many other ways, it all still feels so new.
I think the later is attributed to just how quickly technology changes and advances these days. When I published my first blog post in 2008, Instagram didn’t exist. In fact, it still wouldn’t exist until an entire two years later. Mind. Blown.
And on the I’m-feeling-old front, I’m headed east this weekend for my 10-year Northwestern reunion. The city of Chicago will forever hold a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to explore the culinary scene a decade after my college glory days.
With so many anniversaries and reunions to celebrate (including a 4-year wedding anniversary today!), I can think of no better sweet treat than something that screams “celebrate the season!” And right now, I am all about the apples, from caramel apples and apple tarts to apple fritter rings and now, Easy Apple Turnovers.
I’ve been a longtime fan of transforming the ever-so-reliable store-bought puff pastry into various creations, both sweet and savory. But there’s just something about a classic fruit dressed simply with sugar and spices tucked inside a pastry pocket.
The crystal sanding sugar adds an optional but super satisfying crunch to every bite. And of course, Secret Ingredient Whipped Cream is a must for dipping and dunking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups small diced (peeled) apples
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- Flour, for dusting work surface
- 1 large egg, whisked
- Crystal sanding sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpats.
- In a large bowl, stir together the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice.
- Unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll over the pastry to seal any perforations then cut each sheet into 4 squares.
- Using a slotted spoon, scoop a portion of the apple mixture into the center of each puff pastry square then fold the pastry across diagonally to form triangles. Using a fork, crimp together the edges then transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
- Cut three small slits in the tops of each turnover then brush them with the egg. Sprinkle the turnovers with the sanding sugar (optional).
- Bake the turnovers for 17 to 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed. Transfers the turnovers to a rack to cool then serve warm or at room temperature.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
Unfortunately the shop bought puff pastry was somewhat a disaster as it was too thin that it tore when folding into triangles, further the actual squares were too small so that they could not hold much of the apple mixture. The pack was also elongated which did not help matters. Otherwise the recipe was as described very good.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Very simple and lovely. Apples were soft and well cooked. I recommend following the optional step of sprinkling sugar in top before baking. The pop of sweetness contrasts the tangy filling beautifully. Filling is quite tangy so add a bit more sugar is you want this to be sweet like an apple pie. I’ll be making this again :)
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Lovely, and super easy to make. Well impressed with my first attempt at these. They’d be lovely with a little dollop of cream. Will definitely make them again.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Karen!
delicious and easy to make
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Susan!
I’ve tried different recipes but this one was great! I got a lot of compliments on this thanks
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Esabelle!
This recipe is a family favourite so easy to make and always turns out perfectly
So glad you’re enjoying it, Chris!
Simple and easy to make the apple turnovers. The recipe is great! Thank you.
Thrilled you enjoyed it!
So easy and so delicious. Works just as well with gluten free pastry.
Love it X
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jo!
BEST RECIPE EVER
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I am 13 years old and love baking so I really wanted to try an apple turnover and this recipe was so fun and easy to make I will definitely be using this recipe again.
I am so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ellie!
Hey Kelly, hope your well, can you recommend me a pastry to use for this recipe please?
Hi Zach! I like Pepperidge Farm puff pastry. Enjoy!
Easy step by step instructions x
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Coral!
Wow soo good and SUPER easy! Thank you for sharing!!!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Kelly!
Great instructions made these so easy to make. Yummy!
how mant does this make?
Hi Mila! As noted in the recipe card above, this recipe yield 8 turnovers. :)
Can I use shortcrust pastry for this?
I haven’t tried that but I think it’d work!
Amazing!! So yum!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Love your easy Apple turnover receipe
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, John!
Do you cook the apples first?
Nope! :)
Wondering if these freeze well? Would you bake and then freeze them?
Hi Emily! I’d recommend freezing them first and then baking off as needed, but you may need to increase the bake time.
The recipe was easy to follow with a great result! Beautifully and naturally sweet,
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kari!
I’m going to make these. Was wondering if once the turnovers have cooled if I could drizzle (boiled and sifted) apricot jam over the tops?
That would be delicious, Jake!
Excellent recipe! I followed the recipe precisely except I used my own homemade puff pastry. I will definitely make this again! Thank you!
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Colleen!
Just want to say the receipt was fantastic and the apple turnovers were absolutely amazing. Thanks for a great receipt so simple and ever so tasty.
You are so welcome, Jules! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Really nice apple puffs
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
We have a large family. With my grand babies there are 13 of us. Would it be possible to make this in a sheet pan like apple slices?
Hi Julie! I’m not sure if I understand your questions. Do you mean like a pie?
Went to Apple Hill in Placerville ca. Came back with Apple and had puff pastry, so why not. Never made before. Super easy. Waiting for for them to come out of the oven. Can’t wait. Thanks for easy recipe.
You are so welcome, Cathy! Enjoy!
Delicious I made them yesterday
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Madi!
these apple turnovers are lovely worth a go
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Zeta!
So easy and delicious. I added double the brown sugar as I like my apples sweet. Thanks for a great recipe
You are so welcome, Jeanette! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the turnovers!
Quick and easy. Very nice. Thank you.
You are so welcome, Marilyn! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
So quick and easy, and the result is delicious!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Marita!
Just made these, already eaten half of them, they were delicious and very easy to make.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I made these and they were delicious but found the puff pastry a bit soft. any suggestions to make it flakier?
Hi Emma! What brand of pastry did you use?
These turnovers were delicious! The whole family was impressed. :-)
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe, Jonathan!
Wow these were beautiful. I did however add a couple of spices (nutmeg & Clove) And I also didn’t have lemon, so I squeezed some fresh orange juice instead.
Then I mixed everything up and let it sit before putting it on a strainer to make it easier for the little one who “helped” mix and prep the turnovers.
Quick easy and fun for both my 21m old and I. The entire family really enjoyed and will be making these in the future for parties and family gatherings. Just beautiful and delightful.
Awesome! I’m so glad your family enjoyed the recipe, Jenn!
Seriously good!! I had one sheet of puff pastry and some apples that were starting to turn soft. I halved the recipe and didn’t read the part about using slotted spoon but nothing leaked out while baking. I will definitely make these again. Can’t wait to try some of your other recipes. Thank you.
You are so welcome, Nancy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Easy to follow, not too sugary. Great for the old guys.
Ed Burns
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ed!
Works brilliantly every time. So quick and easy, and very tasty!!!
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Kim!
Thank you Lovely apple turnovers husband was very pleased with them he thinks I can now go on the great British bake off lol xx
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the turnovers, Sharon!
Lovely
I made this recipe today I really enjoyed it!! 5 Stars. :))
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Made the turnovers, turned out ok but too sweet for the hubby.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe, Linda.
Made these today.
Turned out grrreat!!
Sprinkled raw sugar on top, don’t really know what sanding sugar is. They yummy anyway. thanks….
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Brian!
Top notch apple puff !
Made these today and my daughter loved hers, thank you !
I’m so glad to read this, Larissa!
Very easy and very tasty!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Tom!
Made these today and they are sooooooo delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Maria!
tried this today, with airfryer. Tasted good even without proper measuring kit!
thanks for sharing!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Anthony!
Can u make your own pastry.?
If so can I plz have the recipe.
Tnk you
Hi Judy – I’ve never tried making my own puff pastry so unfortunately, I don’t have a recipe for you!
Do u have to use cooking apples or can u use just any apples
Hi Ann-marie – My favorite apple variety to use in this recipe is Granny Smith but any variety will work! :)
Can you use canned pie filling.
Sure!
Such an easy recipe and they tasted so yummy!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lynda!
Easy and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Tina!
Can this be baked in advance (the night before) or will the pasty become soft?
That’ll work, April! The turnovers are best when enjoyed within a day of baking them, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. :)
I’m considering using Paisley Farm sliced apples (for convenience) from the jar that I purchased at Costco. Any tips and/or modifications I should know before I follow your recipe?
Hi Jen! I’d just make sure to drain them of any juices first. Enjoy!
Has any made these and tried to freeze them by chance?
Hi Lou! I’d recommend freezing them first and then baking off as needed, but you may need to increase the bake time.
Quick, easy and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Joe!
Excellent recipe. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Barb! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
I am not a dumb cook, but am inexperienced with puff pastry.
Confusing directions, what does this mean?
“1 (17.3-oz.) package frozen puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed”
1 whole package or 2 thin sheets of pastry?
or the two rolls of pastry that come in the package?
I thawed the whole package. Am I just using 2 thin sheets?
If it just two sheets, why did you say “1 package”?
Also confusing-you say “Unfold the puff pastry sheets onto a lightly floured work surface”
Sounds like I stack the sheets and roll them together, or
do I roll them out separately and use one sheet each for 4 turnovers?
Is that enough pastry?
Hi Annette! You’ll want to use both sheets contained within one, 17.3-oz. package of frozen puff pastry. Any brand will work in this recipe, but I prefer Pepperidge Farm. Each sheet should be gently rolled over to seal any perforations then cut each sheet into 4 squares (you will have a total of 8 squares, which will make 8 turnovers). I hope this helps!
I used pie crust. Still delicious and super easy.
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Patricia!
My first time working with puff pastry and came out great! Will definitely make again. How would you store them after you bake? I was thinking a lidded container would be fine?
Hi Sam! The turnovers are best when enjoyed within a day of baking them, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. :)
Made these last night, so easy and delicious! Nothing left but crumbs & requests that I make them again!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Marjory!
Made these today and can’t wait to try one after dinner They look and smell gorgeous
Made these today and can’t wait to eat after dinner. They smell amazing
Enjoy!
Grandkids went ApplePicking in NC this week–brought me Granny Smith and Honey Crisp. I combined the 2 varieties of apples ( I am usually Granny Smith only for baking). Used your recipe to the letter with exception of adding 1/4 tea. fresh grated Nutmeg. I did use egg wash with Sanding Sugar I happened to have from a delightful King Arthur gift bag.
I whipped up 2 cups of cream with a little 10X sugar and cinnamon added to have on the side. Nothing left but flakes of pastry and the empty platter.
This is a ‘keeper recipe’–thank you !
Amazing! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Henriette!
Can you freeze these after they are baked? We really like them but there are only 2 of us.
Hi Ila! I’d recommend freezing them first and then baking off as needed, but you may need to increase the bake time.
1st time making apple turnovers ..came put great !! Daughter 9 helped as well she was really pleased with outcome as well..
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you and your daughter enjoyed the recipe, Sue!
Very easy and very delicious. Came out good
Thrilled to read this, Dee!
Really good and straightforward recipe! Easily cooked to perfection and enjoyed very much by my husband!
I’m so thrilled you and your husband enjoyed the recipe, Marion!
I made these last night with some Kanzi apples that were turning and they came out so good! Such a quick and simple recipe, we liked them even more once they’d been in the fridge overnight and topped with some cream :)
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Eideann!
This is a very helpful website it has improved my time in the kitchen thankfully to you and carry on the good work
I’m so thrilled to read this, Joanne!
What is crystal sanding sugar and where to buy?
Hi Anne! Crystal sanding sugar is large crystal sugar usually found by the sprinkles in most major grocery stores. :)
What should be oven temperature?
Hi Nikki! As noted in the recipe above, you’ll want to preheat the oven to 400°F. :)
what type of apples do you use ? green, red ???
Hi Catherine! My favorite apple variety to use in this recipe is Granny Smith. :)
I’ve made these a few times, and now they’ve become a favorite for my husband. The sanding sugar really does make a big difference!
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Therese!
Very yummy. Simple to do. I’m neither a chef or baker. Salad is the most I cook!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the turnovers recipe, Elizabeth!
Easy to follow..and
So yummy!! I made them today and we all loved them. (husband and kids).
Since it’s a cold night they had it with custard..i had them with yogurt..but ice cream would go also well.
Thanks a lot for sharing. :-)
Yay! I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed the turnovers, Sonia!
These were so easy and fun to make, all my guests loved them!
I’m so thrilled to hear this, Emily!
i used a frut mix insted of apple and i loved it it’s so easy!!:)
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Blake!
Very easy to make for a novice and tasted delicious. Used up apples and raspberries. Used normal sugar and they tasted lovely. Thank you
Love your addition of raspberries, Kathy! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Yummy!! My husband loves them and they’re so easy to do. Thank you!
I’m so glad you and your husband enjoyed the turnovers, Kim!
They look yummy and can not wait to have them later with a hot cup of tea.
Enjoy!
Made these tonight with my 12 y.o son and they were brilliant – so easy to make and tasted wonderful. I made 1 & 1/2 times the recipe and made them twice the size (puff pastry sheet cut in half diagonally, then folded in half to make 2 turnovers), sprinkled with regular white sugar and served with icecream. Made 6 large turnovers.
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Brenda!
I made these today, they were so easy to make and look and taste fabulous!
How long will they keep and what’s the best way of storing them?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Fiona! The turnovers are best when enjoyed within a day of baking them, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Can you use white sugar or caster sugar instead of brown sugar? And is it caster sugar on top? I have lots of apples to use cause my parents gave them me lol
Hi Annabel! White sugar will work for the apple mixture and the tops are sprinkled with crystal sanding sugar (a large crystal sugar).
Worked so well 1st try that I’m making 5em again the very next night! Delicious!
Woohoo! Love reading this :)
The apple puff is so delicious! I cut down the sugar by half and doubled the cinnamon. And I made my own puff pastry using Baking a Moment recipe, it turn out great. I mange to use up all the puff pastry I made. I made the puff pastry the night before and put it in the fridge. I let the dough thaw before using it. I put half the dough in the fridge while I was working with the other half, to keep it cold. And the last thing I change was I change the egg wash to flaxseed meal and water. The puffs tasted great warm, and is great for breakfast.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
great recipe
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
Loved the simplicity of the recipe. Plus I was able to use up the one sheet of puff pastry I had in the freezer (halved the other ingredients). Next time I might use a little more brown sugar or use a sweeter apple.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Linda! My favorite apple variety to use in this recipe is Granny Smith :)
You don’t need to cook the Apple mixture ?
Nope! :)
Is it okay if I tried this with thawed paratha dough? My parents tried it before and it came out pretty good, but for this recipe is it okay?
Hi Angel – I’ve only ever made this recipe using a puff pastry, so I can’t say with certainty how it would turn out.
Super simple recipe! We purchased both honeycrisp and fuji apples that didn’t have much taste so instead of throwing them out we made these. They were delicious!! Instead of using the granulated sugar, we powdered them with confectioners sugar. This was a big hit with the family and neighbors.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Max!
Just made these for the first time. Very impressed! How long can I store them in an airtight tin please?
Hi Anne-Marie! The turnovers are best when enjoyed within a day of baking them, but they can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Brilliant, easy recipe, thank you! I’ve made these twice now. My Mum even thought they were shop-bought when I presented her with one!!!!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Alison!
My son whose very fussy even commented how lovely these tasted. 10 out of 10. Great easy recipe. Thank you. I’m just on with doing my 2nd batch
So thrilled to hear this, Jackie!
I made these for an event but used Goya discs instead of puff pastry because I made over 100. Every one loved them and they have been requested again.
Thanks for the recipe.
You are so welcome, Lenise! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
LOVED THESEE!!!
MY FAMILY ATE THESE SO FAST WOULD ABSOLUTLEY RECCOMED MAKING THIS. only downside is that it becomes soggy, any suggestions to help me get rid of this please?
Hi Rose! Did you use a slotted spoon to transfer the apple mixture to the puff pastry?
this is the best apple turnover ever! thank you for giving me this recipe 10/10 would make again!
But sometimes it becomes really soggy and soft but it still tastes good i made this with my family and they loved it thanks!
xoxoxo
I’m so glad you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Emma!
My family just loves these turnovers. Made them for Christmas Eve morning at the request of my family. Guess we’re starting a new Christmas tradition.
I’m so thrilled you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Loretta!
Delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jim!
First time making my favorite dessert. I was amazed how easy it was to follow your recipe. Thank you so much. I will no longer buy them at the local bakery. I will make them from now on.
Love hearing this, Candy! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Very easy to make, and very good to eat, especially with a bit of cream!
YUM! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Pam!
I just baked the apple turnovers! They look delicious just waiting for them to cool down
Woohoo! Enjoy!
Perfect and easy recipe! So delicious! I don’t know what sanding sugar is so I used demerara sugar on top and they were amazing! We only got 2 as friends and family claimed the rest so have just made a second batch and equally satisfied with them!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the turnovers, Kayleigh!
What kind of apple do you recommend using.
Hi Rachel! My favorite apple variety to use in this recipe is Granny Smith :)
Definitely were delicious, but since I used Granny Smith apples, they could have used an additional tablespoon of sugar as they were quite tangy. I’m not a fan of sugar granules on top, so I topped them off with powdered sugar. Will definitely make them again with additional sugar. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
You are so welcome, Sukaina! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious! I made a bunch of different apple desserts and this was everyone’s favorite!
Yay! So thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Monica!
Do you use granny smith apples?
That’ll work!
Made these today very easy & delicious ! Will make again for sure. Thank you
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Margaret!
This looks super easy to make a ton of. I’m gonna try making 100 for church this Sunday. Awesome for a bake sale too.
Amazingly easy and delicious, made twice and a hit every time!
Woohoo! So thrilled to hear you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Lisanne!
This was a super easy, quick, no fuss & delicious recipe with a beautiful presentation. I used a round pastry dough instead of rectangular and it worked perfectly well. I will definitely make this again (already tomorrow) as there was enough filling to make another round. I really recommend this recipe!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Christine!
Today I saw you on Home & Family. You were great . I look so forward to making the turn overs . Will let you know how they turn out , thank you !
Thanks so much for tuning in, Sarah! I hope you enjoy the turnovers :)
Thanks. These look really tasty ! Have you ever frozen them? If yes, before or after baking?
Hi Betty! I’d recommend freezing them first and then baking off as needed, but you may need to increase the bake time.
I just tried these for the first time. OMG….they were INCREDIBLE!!!
The only problem I had was that the puff pastry dough was stuck together as I tried to unroll it from the package. I used a rolling pin to try to get it back to a rectangle, but the results weren’t too good. Is this usual for the dough to stick together like that?
This is just one more of your recipes that has come out so fantastic, Kelly.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Dave!
So far I’m liking everything you post
Thank you so much, Carmella! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying Just a Taste!
After making can you freeze them for a later day ,we really love these thank you very easy Vicky
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Victoria!
I made these turnovers and they were fantastic! Easy and yummy!
I’ve made 2 dozens of turnovers. We liked them so much we gave some to our neighbors right out of the oven.
We’ll be making more today!
Can’t wait to make the peach turnovers.
I love hearing this, Jan! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
My kitchen smells so yummy right now . 3 turnovers have already walked out the door and finally i get to taste !!
I will be making these again soon. Must find a store where the puff pastry is less expensive tho’… fortunately apples are very reasonable and these are a snap to make. Thank you !!
I’m so thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Dorothy!