How to Make Sweet Apple Turnovers: A Beginner’s Guide
There’s something magical and comforting about the smell of baking apples that fills a home with warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, making sweet apple turnovers is a delightful way to bring a bit of that magic into your kitchen. These little parcels of joy are not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium-sized apples (choose a variety that’s good for baking like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (found in the freezer section of most grocery stores)
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon of water
Tools Needed:
- A rolling pin
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- A fork
- A pastry brush
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready by the time you’re done prepping. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and set aside.
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Thaw the Puff Pastry: If you’re working with frozen puff pastry (as most of us do), take it out of the freezer to thaw slightly. You want it to be pliable but still cold. Overthawing can make it sticky and hard to work with.
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Prepare the Filling: Peel and dice the apples into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. This mixture not only creates that signature sweet apple filling but also thickens any juices released by the apples during baking.
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Roll Out the Pastry: Lightly flour your working surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smoothen it. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the sheet into squares. The size can vary, but 4×4 inches is a good standard size for turnovers.
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Assemble the Turnovers: Spoon a portion of the apple mixture onto the center of each square, leaving some space around the edges for sealing. Don’t overfill to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and press the edges together. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they’re well sealed.
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Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of the turnovers using a pastry brush. This gives them a beautiful golden color and helps seal any tiny openings.
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Baking Time: Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not too close to each other. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. The aroma of baking apples and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, signaling they’re nearly done.
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Cool Down: Once baked, transfer the turnovers to a wire rack to cool. It’s tempting to bite into them immediately, but allowing them to cool slightly will make them easier to handle and let the flavors settle.
Tips for Perfect Turnovers:
- Quick Work Keeps the Dough Flaky: Puff pastry is best worked with when it’s cold. If it gets too warm, put it back in the fridge for a bit.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits to your apple mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Watch the Oven: Depending on your oven, baking times may vary, so keep an eye on your turnovers towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Conclusion:
Sweet apple turnovers are a classic treat that anyone can make. With their flaky crust and warm spiced apple filling, they’re sure to delight friends and family alike. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet finish to your day, they’re a perfect homemade treat. So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and satisfying, remember that these turnovers are just a few simple steps away. Happy baking!
