Homemade Apple Turnovers with Vanilla Glaze

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Homemade Apple Turnovers with Vanilla Glaze

These golden, flaky Apple Turnovers are everything you want in a comforting pastry—crispy puff pastry on the outside and a sweet, spiced apple filling on the inside, finished with a drizzle of smooth vanilla glaze. They’re quick to make using store-bought puff pastry, but taste as if they came fresh from a bakery.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee, these turnovers bring the cozy aroma of cinnamon and apples right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and quick: Made with frozen puff pastry for convenience.
  • Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg balance the natural tartness of the apples.
  • Bakery-style results: Crisp layers of pastry with a luscious caramelized apple center.
  • Make-ahead friendly: These turnovers reheat beautifully for a quick sweet treat.

Ingredients

For the Turnovers

  • 2 sheets (1 lb) frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for dusting
  • 1½ lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

For the Vanilla Glaze

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons half and half (or milk)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions.

2. Cook the Apples

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

3. Add the Spices

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture becomes glossy and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

4. Assemble the Turnovers

Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll one sheet of puff pastry into a 10-inch square. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut it into 4 equal squares.

Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each square, leaving a ½-inch border. Brush the edges with the egg wash. Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.

5. Bake

Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet. Use a small knife to cut two short slits on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops with remaining egg wash.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

6. Make the Glaze

While the turnovers cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, half and half, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.

7. Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the warm turnovers and let it set for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Turnovers

  • Cool the filling: Warm filling can make the pastry soggy, so let it cool before assembling.
  • Don’t overfill: A small spoonful of filling is enough—too much will cause leaks.
  • Make mini versions: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized turnovers. Adjust baking time to about 10–12 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.

More Cozy Apple Desserts

If you love these turnovers, try these delicious apple recipes next:

  • Classic Apple Crisp – Warm and crumbly with a buttery oat topping.
  • Easy Apple Cobbler – Sweet apples baked under a golden biscuit crust.
  • Homemade Apple Fritters – Fried to perfection and dusted with sugar.
  • Jewish Apple Cake – A moist, old-fashioned favorite with cinnamon swirls.

 

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