Are you craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these homemade apple turnovers! Forget those store-bought pastries; this recipe shows you how to create flaky, golden-brown turnovers bursting with sweet, spiced apples. It's the perfect blend of homemade goodness and easy preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to baking success.
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
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For the Pastry:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (two crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Turnovers
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pie crust slightly if needed to make it easier to work with. Using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife, cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 6-8 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.
Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each circle. Dot with a small piece of butter.
Step 3: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges firmly with a fork to seal, ensuring no filling escapes. For extra flair, you can use a decorative crimping tool.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the assembled turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the Best Apple Turnovers:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet apples creates the perfect balance of flavors.
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can make the turnovers difficult to seal and may cause them to leak.
- Crimp the edges well: This ensures a beautiful presentation and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Cool slightly before serving: This allows the filling to set and prevents burns.
Variations:
- Add a touch of spice: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Use different nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would complement the apples beautifully.
- Make it a crumble topping: Instead of folding the dough, top the filling with a buttery crumble.
- Try a different fruit: These turnovers work well with other fruits like blueberries, cranberries, or peaches.
Nutritional Information (per turnover, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 35-45g Sugar: 15-20g Protein: 3-5g
These apple turnovers are a delightful treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of flaky pastry and warm, spiced apples is a classic for a reason. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade baking!