Cherry Turnovers
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Cherry Turnovers make sweet little desserts for a spring or summer picnic. They are easy to put together with my homemade pie dough, your favorite cherry pie filling, and a yummy glaze.
(Post modified with new photos on 5/22/23.)
When our daughters were young, I liked to prepare weekend picnics for our family. I’d spend the morning making chicken salad sandwiches or fried chicken along with potato salad, some fresh veggies, and some type of hand-held dessert. Cookies worked well, but Cherry Turnovers always caused all eyes to perk up and smiles to appear!
These turnovers are easy to make and pack and are just the right size for an after-dinner treat. They are very kid-friendly, both in preparation and for enjoying later!
More Summer Picnic Recipes
- Chicken Salad Crescent Sandwiches
- Antipasto Rotini Salad
- Gourmet Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Shortbread Lemon Bars
Ingredients for Cherry Turnovers
(See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- vegetable shortening
- cold water
- cherry pie filling
Icing
- powdered sugar
- whole milk
- vanilla extract
- almond extract
Instructions for Making This Recipe
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
In medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
Using a blending fork, cut in the vegetable shortening until crumbly.
Add the cold water in two parts until mixture forms a nice dough. Knead 3-4 times on a lightly floured surface. Pat into a ball and flatten.
Forming the Cherry Turnovers
Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 5-6″ wide container or bowl.
Place a generous spoonful of cherry pie filling near the center of each circle.
I like to use canned pie filling as it sets up nicely when making the turnovers. Feel free to substitute other fruit fillings for variety. We love cherry, but blueberry works well, as would apple or peach, but those might require an extra can of filling to make a dozen turnovers.
Using your fingertip, spread water around the rim of each. Fold dough over and crimp together with a fork to seal.
Place each turnover on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Snip a couple of small vent holes with scissors or a knife to allow steam to release.
The filling tends to escape during baking, so I prefer to use parchment paper to line my pans rather than a silicone mat for easier clean-up.
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Preparing the Icing
To make the icing, in a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
Drizzle icing over each turnover and allow to set up before serving.
This recipe will makes 12 turnovers.
When the days start to turn warmer, plan a picnic for your family and include Cherry Turnovers for your dessert!
Here are a few more Picnic Ideas for your Menu. Browse Dessert Recipes Here. View my Pie Recipes Here.
Cherry Turnovers
Equipment
Ingredients
Basic Pie Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7/8 cups vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 21 oz. Cherry Pie Filling
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Gather the ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Using a pastry fork, cut in the vegetable shortening until crumbly.
- Add cold water in two parts until mixture forms a nice dough. Knead 3-4 times on floured surface. Pat into a ball and flatten.
Assemble the Turnovers
- Roll dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using a 5" wide bowl.
- Place a generous spoonful of pie filling near center of each circle, about 1/4 cup.
- Using your fingertip, spread water around the rim of each. Carefully, fold dough over and crimp with fork.
- Place on parchment lined baking sheets and snip a couple of vent holes with scissors or a knife to allow steam to release. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.
Prepare Icing
- In small bowl combine the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well.
- Drizzle icing over each turnover and allow to set up before serving. Makes 12 turnovers.
Nutrition
Those look soooo yummmy!!!
Thanks Rhonda! I know what you mean. Just looking at the picture makes me want to make them again! LOL Thanks for stopping by!
Love this recipe, these turnovers are so delicious for a family picnic or get together, always a crowd favorite!
I love making cherry turnovers for our vacation picnics. So fun!