Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers

Sep 22, 2026 · By VanillaGoods

Baking Pastries doughnuts Vanilla: Extract Medium

Golden lemon cream cheese turnovers on a wire rack, one cut open to show the filling

Flaky all-butter puff pastry filled with a smooth lemon-vanilla cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sparkling sugar crust. A refreshing twist on classic turnovers with bright citrus flavor accented by pure vanilla.

Prep 25 min

Cook 20 min

Cooling 15 min

Total 1 hr

Yield 8 turnovers

Diet —

Ingredients

Adjust yield

turnovers

1.0 lb (454.0 g)all-butter puff pastry, cold
6.0 oz (170.0 g)cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (50.0 g)granulated sugar
1.0 tbsp (6.0 g)lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
1.0 tbsp (15.0 ml)fresh lemon juice
1.0 tsp (5.0 ml)pure vanilla extract
1.0 large (50.0 g)egg
1.0 tbsp (15.0 ml)water
2.0 tbsp (25.0 g)coarse sugar, for sprinkling

Make it at home

As an Amazon Associate, VanillaGoods earns from qualifying purchases. We only suggest tools that fit this recipe.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Unfold the cold puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll gently to smooth out creases if needed. Cut the pastry into 8 equal squares, about 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) each.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the lemon cream cheese filling in the center of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) border around the edges.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
Brush the edges of the pastry squares with the egg wash. Fold each square diagonally over the filling to form a triangle. Press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Transfer the turnovers to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with more egg wash and sprinkle the coarse sugar evenly over each turnover.
Chill the turnovers in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up the pastry and prevent shrinking during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the turnovers are puffed and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

To prevent the edges from leaking, make sure to seal the turnovers well by pressing firmly with a fork and chilling before baking.
Use pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla flavor that complements the lemon beautifully.

Recipe FAQ

How long does it take to make lemon cream cheese turnovers?

Plan on 25 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, plus 15 minutes to chill. The recipe makes 8 turnovers.

How should I store lemon cream cheese turnovers?

Store leftover turnovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Can I make lemon cream cheese turnovers ahead?

Prepare the turnovers up to sealing, then chill or freeze before baking for convenient fresh baking later.

Can I use a different form of vanilla?

Yes. This recipe uses 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5 ml). Each teaspoon of pure vanilla extract can be swapped for 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, the seeds of half a vanilla bean, or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. Paste and seeds add the classic dark specks.

Estimated · per serving

Nutrition

Per serving = 1 of 8 servings this recipe makes.

437 Calories / serving

29.4g Fat

37.0g Carbs

6.3g Protein

10.6g Sugar

Whole recipe (8 servings): ~3496 cal · 235g fat · 296g carbs · 50g protein · 85g sugar

Estimated values per serving, calculated from standard ingredient data. Not verified Nutrition Facts; actual values vary with brands, measurements, and preparation.

Per serving · 437 calories

What it takes to burn one serving

Brisk walking 83 min·4.8 mi·~9700 steps
Walking uphill or incline treadmill 59 min·3.0 mi·~5900 steps
Moderate cycling 44 min·8.8 mi
Swimming laps 61 min
Jogging 43 min·3.6 mi·~6900 steps
Stair climbing 40 min·~3600 steps
Dancing 71 min
Bodyweight circuit training 44 min
Cleaning, errands, or playing with the dog 101 min

Rough estimates for one serving, based on standard MET values at about 155 lb. Your own burn depends on body size, effort, and fitness. Shown for context only — food is not something you have to earn.

Made with VanillaGoods

Browse available VanillaGoods products below. Check each product's origin and form against the ingredient list; these recommendations do not change the recipe's quantities or preparation method.