There’s something irresistible about the scent of warm apple turnovers wafting through your kitchen. That moment when flaky, buttery pastry meets cinnamon-spiced apples is pure comfort food magic. But let’s be honest – who has time for complicated pastry-making on busy weekdays?
That’s where these Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers come in to save your dessert cravings and your schedule.
These little pockets of joy deliver all the satisfaction of traditional apple turnovers but with a brilliant shortcut that makes them accessible any day of the week. They’re the perfect solution when you need something sweet, impressive, and deliciously homemade without the fuss.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes these Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers truly special is their perfect balance of convenience and homemade charm. By using store-bought crescent roll dough as your pastry base, you’re skipping the most time-consuming and technical aspect of traditional turnovers while still creating something that tastes made from scratch.
The filling strikes that perfect balance between tart and sweet, with warm spices that make each bite feel like fall in your mouth regardless of the season.
These turnovers also offer wonderful texture contrast – that satisfying crunch when you first bite in, followed by the tender, juicy apple filling.
Perhaps best of all, these turnovers are incredibly versatile. They work as a quick breakfast treat, an afternoon snack with coffee, or warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an impressive but effortless dessert. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a pastry genius with minimal effort!
Equipment needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper, small mixing bowl, knife, pastry brush
Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough 8 count each
- 2 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, peeled and diced small
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or regular granulated sugar for topping
- Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1-2 tablespoons milk for glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar-spice mixture. The flour will help thicken any juices that release during baking.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles along the perforated lines. If using crescent roll sheets, cut into 8 equal triangles per sheet.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture on the wider end of each triangle, being careful not to overfill (which could cause leakage during baking).
- Carefully roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end with the filling and rolling toward the pointed end. Gently curve the ends inward to form a crescent shape.
- Place the turnovers on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion.
- Brush each turnover with the beaten egg using a pastry brush, then sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful, sparkly finish and extra crunch.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly and avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
- If desired, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Notes
- For best results, dice your apples into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch) so they cook through completely while the pastry bakes.
- These turnovers are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore crispness.
- Try using the “seamless” version of crescent roll dough and cutting your own triangles for a neater appearance.
- If the dough becomes too warm while you’re working with it, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories per turnover
- Carbohydrates: 30g per serving
- Fat: 10g per serving
- Protein: 3g per serving
- Contains: Wheat, dairy, eggs
- Dietary notes: Not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets without substitutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the turnovers – This causes filling to leak out during baking. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons maximum per triangle.
- Working with warm dough – Crescent roll dough becomes sticky and difficult to handle when warm. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Skipping the egg wash – This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden color and helping the sugar topping adhere.
- Cutting apple pieces too large – Larger chunks won’t cook through in the short baking time, resulting in crunchy apples instead of tender ones.
- Setting oven temperature too high – This causes the outside to brown before the filling is properly heated. Stick to 375°F for even cooking.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Fruit variations: Substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or mixed berries for different seasonal options.
- Gluten-free: Look for gluten-free crescent roll alternatives in specialty grocery stores or use a simple gluten-free pie crust.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based crescent roll dough and substitute the egg wash with plant milk mixed with a little maple syrup.
- Spice variations: Add cardamom, ginger, or allspice to create different flavor profiles.
- Sugar alternatives: Replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Flavor boosters: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the apple mixture or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture.
FAQs
Can I make these apple turnovers ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend assembling the turnovers until you’re ready to bake them, as the dough may become soggy if it sits with the filling too long.
Why did my turnovers leak filling during baking?
Leakage usually happens when turnovers are overfilled or not sealed properly. Try using less filling (1-2 tablespoons maximum) and make sure to pinch the edges firmly when rolling them up. You can also try chilling the assembled turnovers for 10 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze these crescent roll apple turnovers?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 3-5 minutes to the baking time. For baked turnovers, freeze in a single layer, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh.
What’s the best apple to use for these turnovers?
Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp offers great flavor and holds its shape well during baking. Other good options include Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Jonagold. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious which can become mushy.
How do I know when my turnovers are done baking?
Look for an even golden-brown color on the pastry surface. The filling should be bubbling slightly at any openings. If the turnovers are browning too quickly but don’t seem done, cover them loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.
Final Thoughts
These Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers prove that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious with such simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving these for a weekend breakfast, afternoon treat, or casual dessert, they bring that special homemade touch that store-bought simply can’t match. Happy baking!
