Description

Apple Dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines juicy apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, encased in a homemade dough, then baked and glazed with a sweet cinnamon syrup, delivering a warm and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples and Filling

6 medium apples
6 teaspoons unsalted butter
6 teaspoons granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus ½ cup for dusting
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup solid shortening, chilled (such as Crisco)
½ cup whole milk

For the Syrup and Finishing

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 egg
1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and halve each apple. Place an equal amount of sugar and cinnamon inside each apple half and top with 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt. Cut in the chilled shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the whole milk until the dough comes together. Add extra flour as needed for rolling.
Roll Out and Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into six squares large enough to wrap each apple half.
Assemble Dumplings: Place each apple half in the center of a dough square. Enclose the apple by folding the dough over it and pinching the edges to seal. Place dumplings seam-side down on a baking pan.
Prepare Egg Wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over each dumpling to promote browning.
Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring until melted.
Bake: Pour the syrup over the dumplings and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden and apples are tender.
Serve: Spoon some of the syrup from the pan over individual dumplings before serving. Enjoy warm as a delightful dessert.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
Keeping the shortening chilled helps create a flakier dough.
The syrup can be reheated and drizzled over leftovers for extra moisture.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Ensure to seal the dough edges well to prevent the syrup from leaking out during baking.