There’s a certain magic that fills the air during autumn, as vibrant leaves blanket the ground and the scent of spiced apples wafts from kitchens across the countryside. This recipe for Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Turnovers is a delightful reminder of those cozy family gatherings where stories were shared over warm pastries fresh from the oven. Picture a sunny afternoon spent picking apples at a local orchard, the laughter of children ringing through the air, and the promise of a comforting dessert waiting to be made at home.
These turnovers are not only easy to make, but they also embrace the warm, comforting flavors of fall, making them the perfect treat to share with friends and family. Let’s dive into creating these delicious bites of nostalgia!
Ingredients
For the turnovers:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 sheets) of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the maple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richness)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your turnovers don’t stick and to make clean-up a breeze.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is bubbly, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the apple mixture and stir to combine, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
While the apple filling cools, roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into four squares (approximately 4×4 inches).
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each pastry square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can lead to messy turnovers. Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, sealing the edges by pressing down with a fork. Make sure to pierce the top of each turnover with a knife to allow steam to escape while baking.
Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around.
While the turnovers cool slightly, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm turnovers, allowing it to soak into the flaky pastry. Serve them warm, and watch as smiles spread across the faces of those you share them with.
These Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Turnovers are not just desserts; they are a celebration of the season, evoking cherished memories and the warmth of home. Enjoy every bite!