Imagine biting into a golden, flaky pastry that shatters delicately, revealing a luscious, sweet cherry filling that bursts with flavor. These Easy Cherry Turnovers are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that will transport you to pastry paradise with minimal effort. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends with bakery-quality results straight from your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 turnovers
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine pitted and halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cherry filling from heat and let it cool completely. This will prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
- Place a small spoonful of cooled cherry filling in the center of each pastry square, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal completely.
- Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each pastry.
- Brush the top of each turnover with beaten egg, which will help create a golden, shiny crust.
- Optional: Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of the egg-washed turnovers for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Ensure your puff pastry is completely thawed but still cold for the best texture and rise.
- Don't overfill the pastry squares - this can cause leaking and prevent proper sealing.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, creating a tight seal to prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
- Let the cherry filling cool completely before adding to the pastry to prevent a soggy bottom.
- For an extra-professional look, use an egg wash and consider a light sprinkle of sugar before baking.
- If you can't find fresh cherries, high-quality frozen cherries work just as well.
- Allow the turnovers to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set and prevent burning your mouth.
- These turnovers are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
