Flaky puff pastry filled with sweet jelly and finished with a glossy vanilla glaze—Glazed Jelly Turnovers are a simple yet indulgent pastry perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon treat. These golden, hand-held delights are reminiscent of classic jelly donuts but baked instead of fried, making them an easy and elegant option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These turnovers are everything you want in a baked pastry: crisp, buttery layers on the outside and a warm, fruity center on the inside. They come together quickly with store-bought puff pastry and pantry staples, and the smooth vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re baking for guests, brunch, or just because, these pastries deliver homemade charm with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
6 teaspoons jelly or jam (any flavor)
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flour, for dusting

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into an even rectangle and cut into 6 equal squares.
Place about 1 teaspoon of jelly in the center of each square. Be careful not to overfill.
Fold each square into a triangle and press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush over the tops of each turnover for a golden finish.
Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Let the turnovers cool on a wire rack.
While the turnovers cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Drizzle or dip the turnovers in the glaze and allow it to set before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 turnovers
Calories: 260 kcal per turnover

Variations

Flavor Twist: Use raspberry, apricot, blueberry, or mixed berry jam for variety.
Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for added warmth.
Cream Cheese Layer: Add a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese under the jelly for a richer filling.
Iced Sugar Topping: Sprinkle the glaze with coarse sugar before it sets for a bit of crunch.
Mini Version: Cut smaller squares to make bite-sized turnovers—adjust baking time accordingly.

storage/reheating

Store cooled turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. The glaze may soften slightly, but the pastry will re-crisp. Freezing is not recommended once glazed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen puff pastry?

Yes, just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before rolling and cutting.

What type of jelly works best?

Any thick fruit jelly or jam works well—raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are popular choices.

How do I keep the jelly from leaking?

Avoid overfilling and ensure the edges are well sealed with a fork. You can also chill turnovers for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the turnovers are delicious without glaze, or you can dust them with powdered sugar instead.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the turnovers and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Glaze them after they’ve cooled.

Can I add fruit pieces with the jelly?

Yes, but keep pieces small and moisture minimal to prevent sogginess or leaking.

What if I don’t have puff pastry?

Pie dough can be used as a substitute, though the texture will be more like a hand pie.

Can I freeze them unbaked?

Yes, freeze assembled unbaked turnovers on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

Is the egg wash necessary?

It helps give the pastry a golden, glossy finish, but can be skipped for an all-vegan version.

What’s the best way to glaze the turnovers?

For a clean finish, dip the top half into glaze or drizzle with a spoon over a rack to catch excess.

Conclusion

Glazed Jelly Turnovers are an easy and delightful way to enjoy a bakery-style treat right from your oven. With crisp layers, sweet fruit centers, and a glossy glaze, they’re perfect for any time you want something quick yet special. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or sneaking one with your coffee, these pastries are a guaranteed favorite.