Apple Turnovers

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These Apple Turnovers are a fun and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with puff pastry and an easy apple filling.

Apple Turnovers on a plate and on a wooden board.

Apple hand pies

These delicious mini pies are called turnovers or hand pies. This version is filled with a spiced apple filling and topped with a sweet glaze.

Apple turnovers are one of those treats that feel like they are from a bakery, but are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can have a warm, flaky pastry filled with a delicious apple filling.

These turnovers are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They taste best the day the are made, especially when served slightly warm.

Ingredients for apple turnovers

Apples and other ingredients for making turnovers.

Apples - Any baking apple will work in these turnovers.
Puff Pastry - Buy sheets of puff pastry or make homemade puff pastry
Brown Sugar - Adds a bit of sweetness.
Butter - Used to cook the apples. I use regular, salted butter.
Spices - Both cinnamon and nutmeg add the perfect amount of warmth.
Egg - Use as an egg wash to seal the pastry and brushed on the turnovers to help develop a golden color.
Glaze - Made with powdered sugar mixed with milk or cream.

Making the turnovers

Cubed apples in a skillet with brown sugar and spices.

Peel, core, and chop apples into small chunks.
Place in a skillet over medium-low heat along with the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Cook for 7-10 minutes until the apples are soft.

Puff pastry cut into squares and brushed with egg wash.

Unfold one of the thawed puff pastry dough. Roll to increase the width and length by one inch each.
Cut into four equal squares.
Make the egg wash by mixing the egg and water together with a fork or a whisk.
Brush the egg wash around the edge of each square.

Apple pie filling on top of unbaked puff pastry.

Place a large spoonful of the apples in the center of one square.
Fold one corner down to the opposite corner, making a triangle. Press the ends together.

Crimping the edges of a mini pie with a fork.

Use a fork to crimp the edges. This seals the dough together.

Three slits in the top of an unbaked turnover.

Place each pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cut three small slits on the top of the pie. This allows the filling to vent.

Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 18-20 minutes.

Drizzling icing over a baked apple hand pie.

Cool on a baking rack for 5 minutes, then drizzle with glaze.

Tips for making the best turnovers

If using store-bought puff pastry, the packages usually come with two sheets of puff pastry. You'll need both sheets for this recipe. If the puff pastry leaves a deep indent when it is folded, use your fingertips to pat out the folds gently.
The puff pastry needs to be thawed before using. As soon as it is workable, roll it out slightly. You want to increase the size slightly larger than the original size.
Don't allow the puff pastry to become too warm. It will become sticky and will be hard to work with. If needed, place back in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill.
Place the prepared turnovers in the oven as soon as they are assembled. Make certain the oven is fully preheated.
Cool the baked turnovers for 10 minutes and then drizzle with the glaze.
Allow the glaze to set up for about 10 minutes. It will begin to develop a crust and slightly harden.

Puff pastry apple turnovers sliced in half.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the apple filling sometimes ooze out of the sides of the turnover?

Make certain you crimp the sides of the turnover to fully seal it. Don't forget to cut the slits on the top of the turnover. The filling needs a place for the steam to escape. Lastly, don't overfill the turnovers.

How long do apple turnovers last?

These apple turnovers are best eaten the day they are made. However, any leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days.