These flaky little turnovers are quick to make and impossible to resist — crescent roll dough wrapped around a cinnamon-sugared apple filling, baked until golden and optionally glazed with powdered sugar. I first make these on busy weekend mornings when everyone wants something warm and sweet without a long bake time. They’re special because the store-bought crescent dough does the heavy lifting: you get layered, buttery pastry and tender, cinnamon-kissed apple in under 20 minutes of oven time.
Why you’ll love this dish
- Fast: from counter to oven in about 10 minutes.
- Kid-approved: they’re sweet, hand-held, and portable.
- Budget-friendly: uses minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile: great for brunch, a dessert after dinner, or a picnic treat.
"I served these at a last-minute brunch and they vanished before the coffee cooled." — a quick reader note that captures how crowd-pleasing they are.
How this recipe comes together
Quick overview of the process so you know what to expect:
- Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon to build a sweet-spiced filling.
- Separate the crescent roll triangles and add a spoonful of filling near the wide end.
- Roll the dough toward the point to seal the apples inside.
- Brush turnovers with melted butter and bake until golden and puffed.
- If you like, whisk a simple powdered sugar glaze and drizzle over the warm turnovers.
This short chain of actions keeps the filling juicy and the pastry crisp without complicated steps.
What you’ll need
- Crescent rolls (store-bought tube) — 1 can or as needed
- Apples, peeled and diced — about 2 medium (choose a baking or crisp variety)
- Sugar — granulated, about 2–3 tablespoons (adjust to apple sweetness)
- Cinnamon — 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Butter, melted — 1–2 tablespoons (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar — 1/2 cup (optional, for glaze) + a splash of milk to thin
Notes: Use firmer apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a nice texture. If you want less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar or use a natural sweetener one-to-one.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the peeled, diced apples with the granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate the individual triangles.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll each triangle up from the wide end toward the point, tucking and sealing the edges gently.
- Place turnovers on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with melted butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Optional: whisk powdered sugar with a little milk to a drizzling consistency and pour over warm turnovers before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve warm on a platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar or drizzled with glaze.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.
- Offer alongside coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy brunch spread.
- For a savory-sweet contrast, plate with a sharp cheddar or a mild cream cheese spread on the side.
How to store & freeze
- Short-term: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Crisp them again briefly in a warm oven if they soften.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge up to 4 days; bring to room temp before reheating to avoid overbaking.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled turnovers in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 12–18 minutes, or thaw overnight and reheat until warm.
- Food safety: Don’t leave turnovers with fruit filling at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t overfill: Too much apple can make seams burst. Use a modest spoonful per triangle.
- Seal edges well: Press the dough edges gently so the juices stay inside the turnover.
- Even dice = even cook: Small, uniform dice ensure the apples soften in the short bake.
- Brush with butter (not just egg): The melted butter helps the crescent dough brown and adds flavor without altering texture.
- If you prefer a glossy finish, use an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 teaspoon water) instead of butter.
Creative twists
- Add a tablespoon of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) into the filling for crunch.
- Stir a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
- Substitute the powdered sugar glaze with a citrus glaze using lemon or orange juice for brightness.
- For a creamy filling, fold a teaspoon of cream cheese into the apple mixture before rolling.
- Swap apples for pears or a mix of apple and berry for seasonal variation.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does this take from start to finish?
A: About 25 minutes total: 10 minutes prep and 12–15 minutes bake time, plus a few minutes to cool.
Q: Can I use puff pastry or pie crust instead of crescent rolls?
A: Yes. Puff pastry will yield flakier layers and may need a slightly shorter or similar bake time. Pie crust is sturdier but less layered. Adjust baking to watch for browning.
Q: Should I pre-cook the apples first?
A: Not necessary for small diced apples; they soften in the oven. If you prefer a softer, jam-like filling, sauté diced apples in a little butter and sugar for 4–5 minutes before filling.
Q: Are these freezer-safe?
A: Yes. Freeze fully cooled turnovers individually wrapped or in a single layer in a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight.
Q: Can I make them ahead for a party?
A: Assemble and freeze on a tray. Store in a bag until the day of the event. Bake from frozen or thaw and warm before serving.
Conclusion
For a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that feels homemade with minimal effort, these crescent roll apple turnovers are hard to beat. For another simple take and helpful step-by-step photos, see Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers | The Bewitchin’ Kitchen.
Print
Crescent Roll Apple Turnovers
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These flaky turnovers are quick to make with crescent roll dough filled with cinnamon-sugared apples, baked until golden.
Ingredients
- 1 can crescent rolls (store-bought)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- A splash of milk (to thin glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix the diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until coated.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles.
- Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the apple mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, sealing the edges.
- Brush each turnover with melted butter and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and puffed.
- Optional: Whisk powdered sugar with a little milk for a glaze and drizzle over warm turnovers before serving.
Notes
Use firmer apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best results. For less sweetness, adjust the granulated sugar or use a natural sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American