Name: Hot Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced; 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits); 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Soft, flaky dumplings filled with warm, spiced apples, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a sugary cinnamon syrup. This dessert is the perfect cozy treat for any season, offering a delightful balance of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients

2 medium apples, peeled and sliced

1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch square dish.

Peel and slice the apples into thin wedges.

Separate the biscuit dough and roll each biscuit out to form a flat circle.

Place a few apple slices in the center of each biscuit, then fold the dough over the apples, pinching the edges to seal them into a dumpling shape.

Place the filled dumplings in the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water, and vanilla extract.

Pour the syrup mixture evenly over the dumplings.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve warm, drizzling the syrup over the top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Caramel Apple Dumplings: For an extra indulgent twist, add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the dumplings after they come out of the oven.

Nutty Apple Dumplings: Add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the apple filling before sealing the dumplings. It adds a nice crunch and extra flavor.

Spiced Apple Dumplings: If you want to amp up the spices, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the syrup mixture for an even more aromatic dessert.

Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based version and use non-dairy biscuit dough for a dairy-free treat.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover apple dumplings, I place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. If I’m in a rush, I also reheat them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. You can drizzle a little extra cinnamon syrup over the top to refresh the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes! If you prefer to make your own biscuit dough, you can definitely substitute it in this recipe. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin enough to hold the apple slices and form the dumplings.

How do I know when the dumplings are done baking?

The dumplings are done when they’re golden brown on top and the apples inside are tender. You can check the apples with a fork or toothpick to ensure they’re soft enough to eat.

Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. When ready, just bake them as directed. They might need an extra few minutes of baking time if they’re chilled.

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are a popular choice for their balance of sweetness and acidity, any apple variety works. I’ve tried Honeycrisp and Gala apples, which add a nice sweetness to the dumplings.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked dumplings. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw them; just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

These hot apple dumplings are the epitome of cozy comfort food. With their buttery, flaky dough and sweet, spiced apples, they’re the perfect dessert to share with friends and family. Whether for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this simple yet delightful recipe is sure to become a new favorite in my baking repertoire!

Recipe: