Homemade Cherry Turnovers — Flaky, Fruity & Irresistibly Easy

There’s something magical about Homemade Cherry Turnovers — warm, golden, and filled with sweet-tart cherry goodness wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. They’re everything you love about a bakery treat, but made right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

These turnovers are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee. Using store-bought puff pastry keeps things simple, while the cherry filling and vanilla glaze give them that homemade touch that feels special.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Uses puff pastry for a shortcut to buttery layers.
• Versatile: Swap cherries for apples, blueberries, or peaches.
• Beautifully golden & flaky: Bakery-quality results at home.
• Perfect for any occasion: Brunch, tea time, or holidays.

 Ingredients

For the Turnovers:

• 1 package puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 1 cup cherry pie filling (fresh or canned)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This ensures the pastries bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package directions — typically about 30–40 minutes at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Once thawed, place the sheets on a lightly floured surface and gently roll them out to smooth any creases.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you a total of 8 turnovers.

Step 3: Add the Cherry Filling

Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into the center of each square.

 Tip: Don’t overfill! Too much filling can cause the turnovers to burst open during baking.

Step 4: Seal the Turnovers

Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together firmly, then use the tines of a fork to crimp the edges for that classic turnover look.

If desired, cut a small slit on top of each turnover to allow steam to escape while baking — this helps keep the pastry crisp.

Step 5: Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk to make the egg wash.

Brush this mixture lightly over the tops of the turnovers — it gives them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed.

The sweet cherry filling will bubble slightly, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the turnovers cool slightly, whisk together the glaze ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for your desired consistency)

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm turnovers using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cherry turnovers warm for the ultimate experience — the flaky pastry and gooey cherry filling are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

You can also serve them at room temperature or reheat them in a low oven (325°F) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

 Tips for Perfect Turnovers

Keep the pastry cold: Warm puff pastry can become sticky and lose its flakiness. Work quickly or chill the assembled turnovers before baking.
Don’t skip the egg wash: It’s the key to that golden-brown, bakery-style shine.
Use high-quality filling: If using canned cherry pie filling, go for one with whole cherries for the best texture.
Cool before glazing: Let the turnovers cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the glaze so it doesn’t melt off.

 Serving Ideas

Serve your Cherry Turnovers with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
• A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
• A hot cup of coffee, latte, or tea

They’re also perfect for brunch buffets, potlucks, or holiday breakfasts!

 Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry.
• Freeze: Before baking, place unbaked turnovers on a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.

 Nutrition (Per Turnover – Approximate)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 4g

 Final Thoughts

These Homemade Cherry Turnovers are pure joy in pastry form — flaky, buttery, and filled with luscious cherry flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality treat right from your own kitchen. Whether for a lazy weekend breakfast or a holiday dessert table, they’ll disappear fast — so make a double batch!