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Homemade McDonald's-Style Baked Apple Turnovers

This baked apple turnover recipe combines a flaky all-butter pastry crust with a sweet-tart apple filling that perfectly balances tangy Granny Smith apples and warm cinnamon sugar.
These turnovers are easy to prepare and mimic the nostalgic flavors of McDonald's classic dessert with a homemade twist.
Active Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Rolling Pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

Dough:

  • 1 recipe All-Butter Pastry Crust divided into 2 portions

Apple Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups freeze-dried apples
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • tsp kosher salt
  • 3 medium apples
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp unsulfured molasses or sorghum
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Cinnamon Sugar:

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • Roll each portion of dough into an 11x13-inch rectangle, dusting lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Stack the sheets between parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
  • Cut each chilled sheet into four 5x6-inch rectangles. Gather scraps, knead briefly, roll into a 6x13-inch strip, and cut two additional pieces. Keep the cut rectangles refrigerated while preparing the filling.

Make the Filling:

  • In a food processor, combine freeze-dried apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes a fine powder, then transfer to an airtight container if needed.
  • Peel, core, and dice apples into ¼-inch cubes, measuring exactly 12 oz (3 cups). Toss the fresh apples with the apple powder, melted butter, molasses, and lemon juice. Mix until evenly coated.

Assemble Turnovers:

  • Brush the edges of each dough rectangle lightly with water. Add 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each piece.
  • Fold the dough over to form a “book,” sealing the edges with a fork. Leave one long side open, creating a pocket.
  • Add another tablespoon of filling into the pocket, gently working it into the corners. Seal the open edge and crimp with a fork.

Chill the Turnovers:

  • Place assembled turnovers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 4 hours.

Bake:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F with racks in the upper and lower-middle positions.
  • Mix cinnamon and sugar for topping. Brush turnovers lightly with water, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar, and snip decorative slits in the tops.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes until puffed, crisp, and golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Store leftover turnovers at room temperature under a cake dome or upturned bowl. Rewarm in a hot oven before serving.
  • For warm climates, refrigerate the dough periodically to maintain its firmness.
Keyword baked apple turnovers, dessert recipes, flaky pastry dessert, homemade hand pies, McDonald's-style recipe
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