Name: Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry; 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese (divided); 8 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam (divided); 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 8 teaspoons turbinado or coarse sugar (for sprinkling, divided); 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese; confectioners sugar (adjust to desired thickness); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; splash cream or milk (to adjust glaze consistency)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with creamy goodness, look no further than these Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze. These pastries are a perfect balance of flaky and creamy, making them an irresistible option for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning pastry that will impress your family and friends.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze are not just delicious; they are incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or served at a gathering, these turnovers cater to different palates. The combination of puff pastry, tangy cream cheese, and sweet cherry preserves creates a heavenly bite that pairs beautifully with the glaze. This recipe is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredient Notes

1 sheet puff pastry: The star of the show, puff pastry provides a flaky and buttery texture that acts as the perfect vessel for the filling.
About 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, divided: Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the turnovers. Use light cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
About 8 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam, divided: Cherry preserves offer a burst of fruity flavor. Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit preserves or jam.
1 large egg, lightly beaten: This will be used for egg wash, giving the pastries a beautiful golden finish.
About 8 teaspoons turbinado or coarse sugar for sprinkling, divided: Adds a delightful crunch and sweetness on top of the pastries.
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese: For the glaze, ensuring a creamy consistency that complements the turnovers.
Confectioners sugar: Essential for the glaze, adjust the quantity to achieve your desired thickness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a lovely aroma and flavor to the glaze.
Splash cream or milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze as needed.

Essential Tools for Success

Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for baking your turnovers.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the puff pastry if needed.
Pastry brush: For applying the egg wash.
Mixing bowl: For preparing your glaze.

Build Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your turnovers will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Thaw the sheet of puff pastry according to the package instructions. Once thawed, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pastry if needed to smooth it out. Cut the pastry into squares, approximately 4 inches by 4 inches.

Step 3: Fill the Pastry

In the center of each square, place about ½ tablespoon of softened cream cheese, followed by 2 tablespoons of cherry preserves. Be careful not to overfill; you want to ensure they can be sealed properly.

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Fold the pastry over to form a triangle, enclosing the filling. Press the edges firmly to seal, and then use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they stay closed during baking.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the turnovers with the beaten egg using a pastry brush. This step is essential for achieving a shiny, golden finish.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Sugar

Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of turbinado sugar over each turnover for an extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 7: Bake

Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the turnovers are baking, prepare the vanilla cream cheese glaze. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of cream or milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream or sugar if necessary.

Step 9: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the turnovers are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, drizzle the vanilla cream cheese glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for a more decorative finish.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, then serve your Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for sharing, but you might not want to!

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

Dairy-free cream cheese: Use a dairy-free alternative to keep it dairy-free.
Vegan egg substitute: For an egg-free version, consider using a flax egg or aquafaba for the egg wash.
Fruit preserves: Opt for sugar-free or low-sugar preserves for a healthier option.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

Turnovers leaking filling: Ensure edges are sealed properly, and avoid overfilling.
Puff pastry not rising: Make sure your oven is preheated adequately and avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.
Glaze too runny: Add more confectioners sugar to thicken it, or reduce the amount of liquid added.

Storing Tips & Timelines

These Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Quick Questions

Can I use other fruit preserves besides cherry?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any fruit preserves or jams you love, such as raspberry, blueberry, or apricot.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

While cream cheese adds richness and flavor, you can omit it for a simpler fruit turnover. Just increase the amount of fruit preserves if desired.

Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the turnovers and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I ensure my puff pastry stays flaky?

Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to use, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain its flaky texture.

Time to Try It

With the holidays around the corner or just a cozy weekend in sight, these Cherry and Cream Cheese Turnovers with Vanilla Cream Cheese Glaze are a delightful choice to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Their flaky exterior, creamy filling, and sweet glaze make them an absolute treat that you’ll want to share with others—or enjoy all to yourself! Don’t wait any longer; gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delicious pastry creation.