Flaky Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze are a cozy, bakery-style treat that brings all the comforting flavors of fall into one handheld pastry. These turnovers combine buttery, crisp puff pastry with a warm apple filling infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of brown sugar.

Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of flaky layers and sweet, gooey apple goodness. Topped with a simple cinnamon sugar glaze, these turnovers feel indulgent yet approachable, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a seasonal get-together. This recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginners, while still offering that impressive, homemade charm.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. The use of store-bought puff pastry saves time without sacrificing the delicate, flaky texture that makes turnovers so irresistible. The filling comes together on the stovetop in minutes and can be customized with different types of apples or spices.

These turnovers bake beautifully golden and crisp, delivering both visual appeal and a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen. They are satisfying without being overly rich, and the cinnamon glaze adds just the right finishing touch. It’s a recipe that feels comforting, festive, and wonderfully homemade.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Unlike complicated pastries, turnovers are approachable for all skill levels. The apple-cinnamon filling brings nostalgic fall flavors, while the puff pastry ensures effortless flakiness.

These turnovers are versatile—they work as an elegant dessert, a sweet brunch item, or a delightful snack. Plus, they’re portable and freezer-friendly, making them perfect for prepping ahead. If you’re craving a cozy dessert with a beautiful presentation and warm, spiced flavor, this is a recipe you’ll return to all season long.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine	American
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	22–25 minutes
Total Time	42–45 minutes
Servings	8 turnovers
Calories per Serving	~285 calories per turnover

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Turnovers

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the apple filling by cooking diced apples with butter, sugar, and spices until softened.
2. Thicken the mixture with cornstarch slurry, then allow it to cool.
3. Roll out puff pastry and cut into 8 equal squares.
4. Add a spoonful of apple filling to each square and fold over to form a triangle.
5. Seal edges, brush with egg wash, and bake until golden and flaky.
6. Prepare the glaze and drizzle over warm turnovers before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla.
• Cook for 5–6 minutes until apples begin to soften.
• In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry.
• Pour slurry into apple mixture and cook 1–2 more minutes until thickened.
• Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out puff pastry and cut into 8 squares.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled apple filling in the center of each square.

Step 3: Shape the Turnovers

• Fold each pastry square into a triangle.
• Press edges with a fork to seal.
• Cut a small slit on top of each turnover to release steam.

Step 4: Bake the Turnovers

• Whisk egg and water to create an egg wash.
• Brush the tops of the turnovers.
• Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and flaky.
• Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

• Whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
• Drizzle over warm turnovers and allow glaze to set.

How to Serve

Serve warm for the best flavor and flakiest texture. These turnovers pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a brunch table, arrange them on a platter and drizzle extra glaze right before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for best texture.
• Let the apple filling cool fully to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
• Do not overload turnovers with filling—it causes leakage.
• For extra shine, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.
• Keep puff pastry cold; warm dough becomes sticky and hard to shape.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Turnovers: Add 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce to the filling.
• Mixed Fruit Turnovers: Combine apples with pears or berries.
• Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup for the glaze.
• Spiced Apple: Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for deeper fall flavor.
• Cream Cheese Apple Turnovers: Add a teaspoon of sweetened cream cheese inside each pastry.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store baked turnovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing (Unbaked): Assemble turnovers, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to bake time.
• Freezing (Baked): Freeze cooled turnovers for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife or pastry cutter
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but homemade filling offers better flavor and texture.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before using.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use two sheets of puff pastry.

Can I air fry the turnovers?

Yes. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden.

Why did my turnovers leak?

Overfilling or not sealing edges properly often causes leaks.

Can I use homemade puff pastry?

Yes, homemade works beautifully but requires more prep time.

Conclusion

Flaky Apple Turnovers with Cinnamon Sugar Glaze are the perfect blend of crisp pastry, warm spiced apples, and luxurious sweetness. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for gatherings and holidays. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy bakery-quality pastries right at home. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a cozy dessert, these turnovers are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every delicious bite.