Delicious Homemade Turnovers: Sweet & Savory Recipe Guide

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 egg yolk
3 tablespoons cold water
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 egg, beaten, for egg wash
2 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Add the diced butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolk and cold water. Gradually add this to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch round cutter.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of strawberry jam onto one half of each round. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Brush the tops of each turnover with the beaten egg. This will give the turnovers a nice golden color when baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the turnovers are golden brown.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cooled, dust the turnovers with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the flour and salt.
Fingers - To mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Separate bowl - To combine the egg yolk and cold water.
Plastic wrap - For wrapping the dough before refrigerating.
Rolling pin - To roll out the dough.
3-inch round cutter - For cutting out the rounds of dough.
Fork - To crimp the edges of the turnovers.
Baking sheet - To place the turnovers for baking.
Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Pastry brush - For brushing the beaten egg on top of the turnovers.
Wire rack - To cool the turnovers after baking.

Recipe variations

Use a different type of jam or fruit filling, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apple.
Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier or gluten-free version.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for added flavor.
Try using a different type of fat, like coconut oil or margarine, instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Experiment with different shapes, such as triangles or squares, instead of traditional turnovers.
Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the filling for added texture.
Make savory turnovers by filling them with ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or diced cooked chicken.
For a vegan version, substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.

Recipe overview

This delightful Turnover recipe will guide you through creating delicious, flaky pastries filled with sweet and tangy strawberry jam. These turnovers are perfect for a light breakfast, a sweet snack, or a dessert. The crispy, buttery pastry that envelops the fruity filling will melt in your mouth, while the dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra special touch.

The process of making these turnovers is straightforward and rewarding. You'll start by making a simple pastry dough, then fill it with your favorite jam. After a quick bake in the oven, you'll be rewarded with golden, delicious turnovers that are sure to impress. Enjoy these turnovers on their own, or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful treat.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of jam? Yes, you can use any flavor of jam you prefer. Strawberry jam is used in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with different flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour? You can try substituting with a different type of flour, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste of the turnovers. All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with alternatives like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. After kneading, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before rolling it out. This can save you time on the day you plan to bake the turnovers.
Can I freeze the turnovers? Yes, you can freeze the turnovers. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a preheated oven before serving.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for simple strawberry jam filling, you can get creative and add other ingredients such as fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to enhance the flavor and texture of the turnovers.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling pin - Used for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Floured surface - Provides a work area for rolling and shaping the dough.
3-inch round cutter - Used to cut out the dough rounds for the turnovers.
Fork - Used to crimp the edges of the turnovers and seal them.
Baking sheet - The surface where the turnovers are placed for baking.
Parchment paper - Prevents the turnovers from sticking to the baking sheet.
Wire rack - Allows the turnovers to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Sifter - Used to dust the turnovers with powdered sugar before serving.

Origin stories

Turnovers are an iconic pastry, savored across many cultures with their own unique takes. Though it's hard to pin down the exact origin, one of the earliest mentions of a turnover-style pastry can be traced back to ancient Rome. A cookbook from the Roman Empire, "Apicius", details sweet and savoury pastries filled with fruit and meat. Over centuries, these pastries evolved and took on different forms in different regions. One popular version known to us is the English turnover, traditionally filled with apples. This delightful confection became an ingenious way of using surplus fruits by encasing them in dough, which acted as a preservative. The word "turnover" was first used in culinary context in 1754, according to Oxford English Dictionary. So, next time you bite into a turnover, remember, you're savoring a piece of culinary history that dates back thousands of years.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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