Homemade Cherry Turnovers Recipe

 There’s something magical about biting into a freshly baked cherry turnover. The golden, flaky pastry gives way to a warm, sweet, and slightly tangy cherry filling that’s nothing short of bliss. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them as a dessert, cherry turnovers are a delightful treat that feels both comforting and indulgent. The best part? They’re surprisingly simple to make at home. With this recipe, you’ll have a batch of these bakery-style pastries ready in no time!

Ingredients

To make these irresistible cherry turnovers, you’ll need:

For the Cherry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pastry:

• 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (to mix with egg for egg wash)

For the Glaze (Optional, but Recommended):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the cherries release their juices (around 5–7 minutes). If using frozen cherries, this might take a little longer.
2. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 2 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and allow the filling to cool completely. You can transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate it to speed up the process.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly to smooth the edges. Cut each sheet into four equal squares (you’ll have 8 squares in total).

Step 3: Assemble the Turnovers

1. Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the cooled cherry filling onto the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill, as it can make sealing the turnovers tricky.
2. Fold each square diagonally to create a triangle. Press the edges together gently, then seal them by crimping with a fork.
3. Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

1. Whisk together the beaten egg and milk, then brush the egg wash onto the top of each turnover. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen as they bake.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or two on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.
2. Remove them from the oven and cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6 (Optional): Add the Glaze

1. While the turnovers cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the turnovers before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Turnovers

• Use chilled puff pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is cold while assembling the turnovers. This helps the dough puff up beautifully in the oven.
• Don’t overfill: It’s tempting to load up on that delicious cherry filling, but too much can result in leaks during baking.
• Seal properly: Crimp the edges well with a fork to keep the filling from spilling out.
• Try other flavors: You can experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberries, apples, or peaches if cherries aren’t in season.

Make It Your Own

Cherry turnovers are wonderfully versatile. You can sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for some added crunch, or swap the almond extract in the glaze for vanilla if that’s more your style. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as-is with a hot cup of tea.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these homemade cherry turnovers are guaranteed to impress. With their vibrant filling and buttery pastry, they’re a treat that mirrors the joy of baking itself. Happy baking!