Easy & Delicious Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers: A Simple Recipe

Apple turnovers are a classic dessert, often bringing to mind cozy autumn days and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. But what if you could enjoy that delightful flavor without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe for crescent roll apple turnovers offers a shortcut to homemade goodness, utilizing the convenience of store-bought crescent roll dough to create a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these golden, flaky pastries that are bursting with warm, spiced apple filling.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand. All you need are crescent roll dough, apples, and a few pantry staples.
* **Kid-Friendly:** These turnovers are a hit with kids of all ages. Get them involved in the process by letting them help with filling and folding.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the filling with your favorite spices, nuts, or dried fruits.
* **Impressive:** Despite their simplicity, these turnovers look and taste like you spent hours making them.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **1 can (8 ounces) crescent roll dough:** Use the seamless kind for best results but if unavailable, the triangles will work fine.
* **2 medium apples:** Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. Aim for roughly the same sized pieces.
* **1/4 cup granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness to the apple filling.
* **2 tablespoons butter:** Provides richness and helps to caramelize the apples. Unsalted or salted butter are both fine.
* **1 tablespoon all-purpose flour:** Helps to thicken the apple filling.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice. Adjust to your taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg:** Enhances the cinnamon flavor with a subtle warmth. This can be omitted if preferred.
* **1 tablespoon lemon juice:** Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
* **1 egg:** For an egg wash to create a golden brown crust.
* **1 tablespoon water:** To thin the egg wash.
* **Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting** For an elegant touch.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet:** For cooking the apple filling.
* **Cutting board:** For prepping the apples.
* **Knife:** For peeling, coring, and dicing the apples.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Baking sheet:** For baking the turnovers.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mat:** To prevent sticking.
* **Small bowl:** For the egg wash.
* **Fork or pastry brush:** For applying the egg wash.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect crescent roll apple turnovers every time.

### 1. Prepare the Apple Filling

* **Melt the butter:** In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
* **Add the apples:** Add the diced apples to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* **Add sugar and spices:** Stir in the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The flour will help to absorb excess moisture released from the apples.
* **Add lemon juice:** Stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of tartness. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. Cooling the filling prevents the crescent roll dough from becoming soggy and easier to handle. If the filling is too hot it can melt the dough.

### 2. Assemble the Turnovers

* **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the turnovers from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
* **Unroll the crescent roll dough:** Unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If using seamless dough, gently stretch it into a rectangle. If using the pre-cut triangles, pinch the perforations together to seal them, forming four larger squares or rectangles. Be careful not to tear the dough.
* **Cut the dough:** If using the seamless dough, cut the rectangle into 4 equal squares or rectangles. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works well for this.
* **Fill the turnovers:** Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple filling onto one half of each square or rectangle of dough. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the turnovers to leak during baking.
* **Fold the turnovers:** Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal.

### 3. Bake the Turnovers

* **Prepare the egg wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
* **Brush with egg wash:** Brush the tops of the turnovers with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color.
* **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
* **Cool:** Remove the turnovers from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

### 4. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)

* **Dust with powdered sugar:** Once the turnovers are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This is entirely optional but adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

## Tips for Perfect Turnovers

* **Keep the dough cold:** Cold dough is easier to work with and will result in flakier turnovers. If the dough becomes too warm, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill.
* **Don’t overfill:** Overfilling the turnovers can cause them to leak during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per turnover.
* **Seal the edges tightly:** Make sure to press the edges of the dough firmly to seal them. This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
* **Use parchment paper:** Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the turnovers from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Let the turnovers cool completely:** Letting the turnovers cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar will prevent the sugar from melting.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Add nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the apple filling for added crunch and flavor.
* **Add dried fruit:** Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates to the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.
* **Use different spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as ginger, cardamom, or allspice.
* **Add cheese:** Add a small cube of cream cheese to the filling for a tangy twist. Be sure to dice it very small.
* **Drizzle with glaze:** Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, drizzle the turnovers with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for an extra touch of decadence.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Serve warm:** These turnovers are best served warm, straight from the oven.
* **Serve with ice cream:** Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **Serve with whipped cream:** Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **Serve with coffee or tea:** Enjoy these turnovers with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the turnovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. To reheat in the microwave, microwave for 15-30 seconds.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-300 per turnover (depending on filling and size)
* Fat: 12-15 grams
* Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
* Cholesterol: 30-40 mg
* Sodium: 200-250 mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
* Sugar: 15-20 grams
* Protein: 3-4 grams

This is an approximate nutritional information and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

## Conclusion

These crescent roll apple turnovers are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to please. With their flaky crust and warm, spiced apple filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dessert to a special holiday gathering. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of homemade goodness in under 30 minutes!

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use different types of apples?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are all good choices.

**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the apple filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the turnovers just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

**Q: Can I freeze these turnovers?**
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked turnovers. Assemble them according to the recipe instructions, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

**Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?**
A: Yes, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough. Puff pastry will result in a flakier, more buttery turnover. Follow the same recipe instructions, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

**Q: My filling is too runny. What should I do?**
A: If your filling is too runny, you can add a little more flour to thicken it. Alternatively, you can cook the filling for a few more minutes to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

**Q: My turnovers are browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: If your turnovers are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly.

Enjoy baking these easy and delicious crescent roll apple turnovers!