Easy Apple Turnovers

What is a turnover?

So, it’s not some sort of car accident or hip skateboard move. A turnover is pastry dough (usually puff pastry, as is the case with this recipe) that is filled with a sweet or savory filling. And in this case, it’s an apple cinnamon filling! Apple turnovers with puff pastry are far less intense than making a full apple pie.

To be completely honest with you, I think it’s the same thing as a hand pie, just a different shape.

Turnover = triangle, hand pie = circle.

What kind of apples are best for apple turnovers?

The goal in picking your apples for turnovers is to use an apple (or mix of apples) that can hold up to baking – because not all apples can!

• Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well to baking.
• Honeycrisp apples are always in my fridge! They’re great for snacking because of their firm, crisp texture, but they’re also great for baking because they hold up well and have a sweet flavor.
• Pink Lady apples are also a great snacking apple, are crisp, and have a good combination of sweet and tart flavors.
• Braeburn apples are usually easy to find, they’re crisp, have a strong flavor and hold up well to baking without getting mushy.
• Gala and Golden Delicious apples are also usually pretty accessible, have more mild flavors and hold up well in the oven.

Do you have to cook the apple filling?

Technically, no. But doing so only takes a few minutes and gives the turnovers this amazing caramel-y flavor, so I don’t suggest skipping it.

That, combined with the golden, flaky crust in each bite it just… *chef’s kiss*.

Why is the egg wash important?

The egg wash is just an egg beaten with water, milk or cream. It helps to seal the edges of the pastry together, and also adds a golden luster to the finished product.

What happens if you don’t add the egg wash?

The pastry will just look more pale and doughy and, to be honest, look sort of… unfinished.

If you’re allergic to eggs, vegan, or just straight up don’t have any around the house, you can melt 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil or unsalted butter and lightly brush that on top instead.

Can I make them without the vanilla glaze?

Now, you don’t have to drizzle vanilla glaze over your turnovers. You can leave them naked and they’ll be perfectly delicious. But the issue I have is that they just seem incomplete. It’s like they need just a little something.

You could totally go off the reservation and drizzle with caramel or chocolate, top with fruit… go nuts. No, really – you could go get some nuts and pile them on top. Or stuff them inside. Or just eat them separately because you’re your own person and no one can tell you how to live your life.

But personally… I need the glaze. Need.

How to store apple turnovers

You’ll want to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, but you’ll want to store them without the icing on top (as that adds extra moisture).

How long does an apple turnover last?

Turnovers – that have not yet been glazed – will stay fresh for 1 day at room temperature.

They can last up to 5 days in the fridge – but again, without having been coated in icing. You want to save that step for shortly before serving.

Can I freeze apple turnovers?

You can! If you wrap each turnover in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then inside a freezer-safe resealable bag or container you can store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

You can also freeze the turnovers before you’ve baked them.

You’ll do everything right up to the point where you would typically do the egg wash, and instead you’ll place them on a sheet pan and stick that in the freezer for 1 hours. Then wrap each unbaked turnover in a layer of parchment paper and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and stick it in the freezer.

When you’re ready to bake it, no need to thaw or defrost – just bake according to the recipe instructions!