Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings 🍎🥧✨

“A classic dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection with a cinnamon-spiced syrup. A true nostalgic treat!”

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 6–7 tablespoons cold water

For the Apples:

• 6 medium apples, peeled and cored (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 small pieces

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
3. Stuff each cored apple with 1 tablespoon of the sugar mixture and 1 piece of butter.

Step 3: Roll and Wrap

1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Cut into 6 squares, large enough to wrap each apple.
3. Place an apple in the center of each dough square. Bring the corners of the dough up over the apple and pinch the edges together to seal.

Step 4: Make the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, water, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Place the wrapped apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings.
3. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: The warm, spiced apples and buttery pastry evoke a sense of nostalgia.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dessert at home.

Pro Tips

1. Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain shape during baking.
2. Make Ahead: Prepare the dumplings and syrup in advance; refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. Enjoy their flaky, buttery crust and the rich, spiced apple filling—a taste of tradition in every bite! 🍎🥧✨