Super Simple Cherry Turnovers

When it comes to creating impressive desserts with minimal effort, few things rival the versatility and convenience of store-bought puff pastry. A product after my own heart, it makes it look like you worked all afternoon picking buckets of cherries when really you just ran to the grocery store in your pajamas. Imagine flaky layers of puff pastry enveloping sweet-tart cherries, all without the fuss of preparing filling from scratch. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a quick afternoon treat, or simply want to showcase the flavors of seasonal cherries, this recipe for simple cherry turnovers is your ticket to pastry perfection without the fuss.

Ingredients:

– 1 package (about 1 lb) store-bought puff pastry sheets, thawed according to package instructions

– 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling, if you’re feeling ambitious, try our super simple cherry pie filling recipe using fresh cherries. But if not, canned pie filling tastes just as good!

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare and Preheat:

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

2. Cut and Fill the Puff Pastry:

   – On a lightly floured surface, unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.

3. Assemble the Turnovers:

   – Spoon about a tablespoon of cherry pie filling onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a border around the edges. Don’t overfill or you’ll have a mess to deal with later.

   – Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle shape. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Repeat with the remaining pastry squares and filling.

4. Brush and Bake:

   – Transfer the assembled turnovers to the prepared baking sheet.

   – Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg wash to give them a golden sheen when baked.

   – Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits on the top of each turnover to allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Bake and Serve:

   – Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.

   – Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

   – Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or a powdered sugar icing before serving for an added touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success:

– Ensure the puff pastry is fully thawed but still cool when you work with it to maintain its flaky texture.

– Avoid overfilling the turnovers with cherry pie filling to prevent leaking during baking.

– Serve warm for the best experience, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream

With the convenience of canned cherry pie filling and store-bought puff pastry, you’ve effortlessly created delicious cherry turnovers that are perfect for any occasion. They LOOK like you worked hard when really the hardest part of this recipe is remembering where your grocery store stocks the puff pastry sheets. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these turnovers capture the essence of cherries in a flaky, golden package. Embrace the simplicity and enjoy the homemade taste with every bite, proving that delightful pastries don’t have to be complicated to be absolutely scrumptious. And hey, feel free to tell everyone it’s homemade because technically they are right??