Easy 5-Step Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe for Golden Flaky Treats

Craving something sweet, flaky, and cozy?
This sweet potato turnovers recipe has you covered — no fancy skills required.

There’s just something about warm, golden pastries that feels like home, isn’t there? Especially when they come out of the oven all puffed up and crisp.

If you’ve got some sweet potatoes on hand and a pack of puff pastry, you’re already halfway there. We’ll layer in cozy flavors like brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then bake these beauties until they’re golden brown.

The best part? They come together in just about 20 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert — or honestly, anytime you need a little pick-me-up.

And trust me, nothing beats the moment when you take that first bite and the sweet potato filling meets that buttery crunch. Just be sure to serve warm for full effect.

Ready to roll? Let’s do this — these sweet potato turnovers will steal the show.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Turnovers

You know those recipes that make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery?
Yeah — this is one of them.

These sweet potato turnovers are everything a homemade treat should be:
Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and best of all — they’re easy enough for any day of the week.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• They start with simple pastry sheets you can grab from any store.

• The sweet potato filling is rich, creamy, and naturally sweet — no heavy sugars needed.

• A little brown sugar and ground cinnamon bring all the warm, comforting vibes.

• You can have them in the oven at 400°F in no time, and they bake up beautifully golden brown in just 15 minutes or so.

• And when you serve warm, fresh from the baking sheet, they’re next-level good.

Honestly? They’re the kind of treat that feels fancy, but really — they’re just pure comfort wrapped in puff pastry.

Perfect for:

• Lazy weekend mornings

• Holiday spreads

• Sweet after-dinner bites

• Or those random moments when you want to bake but don’t want a project

And bonus: You’ll feel like a total kitchen pro when you pull them out of the oven.
Just wait till you see those pastry squares puff up and turn golden — pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this sweet potato turnovers recipe is how simple the ingredient list is.
No complicated prep. No fancy tools. Just a handful of cozy ingredients that turn into flaky, golden goodness.

Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

• Puff pastry — 1 package of frozen pastry sheets, thawed

• Sweet potatoes — about 2 medium, cooked and mashed into a creamy sweet potato filling

• Brown sugar — adds rich sweetness and depth

• Ground cinnamon — for that warm, spiced aroma

• Granulated sugar — just a sprinkle for added texture and light caramelization

• Egg wash — 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water, for a shiny, golden brown finish

• Parchment paper — to keep your baking sheet clean and ensure easy release

• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract for extra warmth

The beauty of this recipe is that you can play with flavors too.
A touch of maple syrup in the filling? Amazing.
Chopped pecans for crunch? Yes, please.

If you love smart swaps and healthy baking, be sure to check out this Low Calorie Pizza Dough Recipe — it’s another easy, guilt-free kitchen win you’ll want in your rotation.

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s move to the fun part — baking!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sweet Potato Turnovers

Baking these sweet potato turnovers is one of those small kitchen joys — simple ingredients, a cozy aroma, and that moment when they come out of the oven golden brown and irresistible.

I’ve made these countless times — for brunch with friends, lazy Sunday mornings, and even as a quick dessert after dinner.

Here’s exactly how I do it — and how you can too.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

First, cook your sweet potatoes (either roasted or boiled works).
Once soft, mash them well until smooth. Then stir in:

• Brown sugar — for rich sweetness

• Ground cinnamon — warm and aromatic

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract

Tip from experience: If you want an extra creamy sweet potato filling, add a splash of cream or butter. But even plain mashed works beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Pastry

Place your thawed pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

Roll them gently with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. Then cut into pastry squares — about 4×4 inches is ideal.

Why this matters: Keeping a floured surface roll ensures your dough doesn’t stick, and even squares bake more evenly.

Step 3: Fill & Fold

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your sweet potato filling onto the center of each square.

Fold one corner over to create a triangle. Then gently press the edges with a fork to seal.

Personal tip: Don’t overfill! A little goes a long way — too much and they’ll burst while baking.

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash

Place the turnovers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Whisk one egg with a splash of water to make an egg wash. Brush it lightly over each turnover.

Why? This gives that gorgeous golden brown finish and adds a delicate crisp to the pastry.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Bake the turnovers for about 15 minutes — sometimes closer to 20 minutes, depending on your oven — until they are puffed and golden brown.

Watch closely in the last few minutes! This is when the magic happens — your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.

And that’s it — your homemade sweet potato turnovers are ready.
I always recommend you serve warm — it’s when the flavors shine and the texture is at its best.

These little golden treats are the kind of thing people remember — simple, soulful, and made with love.

Optional Glaze or Filling Variations

Here’s the thing — once you master this basic sweet potato turnovers recipe, the real fun begins.
You can personalize these little pastries in so many cozy, creative ways.

I’ve experimented a lot with this recipe (it’s a family favorite around here), and these are some of my go-to twists that always impress.

Maple Glaze (Highly Recommended!)

If you want that bakery-style shine and extra layer of flavor, whisk together:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 1–2 tsp milk

• Splash of vanilla extract

Drizzle over your sweet potato turnovers while they’re still warm. The glaze melts into all those flaky layers. It’s divine.

Nutty Crunch

Before sealing your pastry squares, sprinkle a few chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potato filling.
They add a subtle crunch and make each bite feel a little more special.

Coconut-Lovers’ Twist

Mix shredded coconut right into the filling or sprinkle some on top after brushing with egg wash.
It toasts up beautifully and adds a tropical hint to this cozy treat.

Jam & Sweet Potato Combo

Add a thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam under the sweet potato filling for a sweet-tart contrast.
Trust me — it elevates the flavor and makes these turnovers stand out.

Inspiration From Other Cozy Recipes

If you’re loving this style of simple, comforting recipes, you might also enjoy this French Elderberry Bug Spray Recipe. It’s a natural, homemade solution that brings the same feel-good energy into your life.

And for a totally different flavor adventure, try this Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and a great example of how simple ingredients can shine.

With these variations, your sweet potato turnovers can be as classic or creative as you like.
That’s the beauty of this recipe — once you know the basics, it’s yours to make your own.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Sweet Potato Turnovers

One of the many reasons I love this sweet potato turnovers recipe is how beautifully it fits into real life.
Busy day? Make them ahead. Leftovers? They reheat like a dream.

Here’s exactly how to store and reheat your turnovers so every bite stays as delicious as the first.

How to Store

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them the same day, you can leave the turnovers covered on the counter (just make sure they’re fully cooled first).

• Fridge: For longer storage, place them in an airtight container. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for 2–3 days.

• Freezer: Yes, this sweet potato turnovers recipe freezes well! Stack turnovers with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

The key to keeping that flaky puff pastry crisp is avoiding the microwave whenever possible. Here’s what I recommend:

• Oven (Best): Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place turnovers on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

• Skillet (Quick): Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Warm turnovers for a few minutes on each side — this brings back the lovely crunch on the bottom.

• Microwave (Last Resort): 20–30 seconds per turnover. The filling warms nicely, but you’ll lose a bit of crispness.

Personal tip: I often bake a double batch and freeze half — it’s such a treat to pull one out and enjoy a warm, flaky pastry anytime I want.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe

1. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this sweet potato turnovers recipe?

Absolutely! I always use pre-made pastry sheets — they’re convenient, buttery, and bake up golden brown every time.

2. How do I make the sweet potato filling extra creamy?

Mash your sweet potatoes while they’re warm and add a splash of milk, butter, or even maple syrup. It makes the filling smooth and rich.

3. Can I freeze this sweet potato turnovers recipe?

Yes — this sweet potato turnovers recipe is perfect for freezing. Just stack with parchment paper between them and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

4. Do I have to use an egg wash on top?

While it’s optional, an egg wash gives that beautiful golden brown shine and slight crisp on the pastry — I definitely recommend it!

5. How long should I bake them?

Bake at oven to 400°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.

6. Can I use canned sweet potato filling instead of fresh?

Yes — just make sure it’s unsweetened. Then mix in your brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and other seasonings for best results.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best texture, reheat on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F until crisp and warm.
Microwave works in a pinch but softens the puff pastry.

8. Can I make this sweet potato turnovers recipe with gluten-free pastry?

Yes! Many brands offer gluten-free pastry sheets now — just follow the same steps and expect a slightly different texture.

9. How sweet is this recipe?

You control the sweetness. The sweet potato filling gets its flavor from brown sugar and cinnamon — adjust to your liking.

10. Are sweet potato turnovers healthy?

Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Want to learn more? Check out this helpful Healthline guide on the health benefits of sweet potatoes.
It’s a great ingredient to add to your baking rotation!

Final Thoughts on Sweet Potato Turnovers Recipe

If there’s one thing I love about this sweet potato turnovers recipe, it’s how it turns simple ingredients into something truly special.

No fancy equipment. No complicated steps. Just a flaky, golden brown pastry wrapped around a creamy, spiced sweet potato filling — pure comfort in every bite.

This sweet potato turnovers recipe is the kind of dish you can whip up for any occasion.
Hosting brunch? Bring these warm from the oven.

Need a cozy dessert? These sweet potato turnovers serve warm and steal the show.

And what I really appreciate? You can play with flavors. Add a drizzle of maple glaze. Fold in toasted pecans. Maybe even swap in a little cardamom for that extra warmth.

Most of all, this sweet potato turnovers recipe is about joy — the kind of joy that comes from baking with your own hands and sharing something delicious with the people you love.

So go ahead — roll out those pastry sheets, mash those sweet potatoes, and create a little kitchen magic.
Because honestly? Life is too short not to enjoy every golden brown bite.