Apple dumplings are a cozy, sweet treat that wraps juicy apples in soft dough. When baked, they are golden and filled with cinnamon goodness. A scoop of ice cream on top makes them even better!
Making these dumplings is like giving the apples a warm blanket. They always remind me of family gatherings and happy smiles. Plus, they are super easy—just wrap, bake, and enjoy! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the dish. If you can’t find them, any firm, tart apple like Honeycrisp or Braeburn will work well.
Biscuit or Pie Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is super convenient! But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own pie crust. This gives you more flavor and a fresher taste. Just roll it out and cut it into the right sizes.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both sugars add sweetness but have different flavors. For a deeper taste, stick to brown sugar for the topping. If you’re out, you can also use coconut sugar as a substitute.
Cinnamon: This spice is essential for that warm, cozy flavor. If you want to get creative, try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an additional kick!
How Do You Seal Dumplings Properly?
Sealing the dumplings is important to prevent the fillings from leaking out during baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a clean surface and roll the biscuit circle thin to make it easy to fold.
- After adding the apple filling, gently lift the sides of the dough, bringing them together over the filling.
- Pinch the dough edges firmly to seal them well. You can also press a fork around the edges for a decorative touch.
Make sure there are no gaps to keep the filling inside. With practice, you’ll become a pro at sealing dumplings!
How to Make Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Dumpling Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough or pie dough (about 8 biscuits)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup water
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Caramel sauce or maple syrup for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty apple dumplings recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to bake. In total, expect around 50–60 minutes from start to finish, including some cooling time. It’s a great recipe for a cozy dessert that will make your home smell divine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so that the dumplings don’t stick as they bake.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated with the sugary mixture. The lemon juice will help brighten the flavor of the apples!
3. Prepare the Dough:
Take the refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into individual pieces. On a clean surface, flatten each biscuit into a circle. Make each circle big enough to wrap around a spoonful of apple filling!
4. Fill the Dumplings:
Place a generous spoonful of the apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. On top of the apples, add a small piece of butter. Then, fold and pinch the dough around the apples, completely sealing off the filling to form a dumpling.
5. Arrange the Dumplings:
Place the sealed dumplings in your prepared baking dish. It’s okay for them to be close together as they will puff up a bit while baking.
6. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of all the dumplings to add a sweet, spicy crust.
7. Pour in the Water:
Carefully pour 1/2 cup of water around (not directly over) the dumplings in the baking dish. This will keep them moist and help create a delicious sauce as they bake.
8. Bake the Dumplings:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for those dumplings to be golden brown and for the apples inside to be tender—yum!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dumplings out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can dust them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch if you’d like.
10. Enjoy!
Serve the dumplings warm, drizzled with caramel sauce or maple syrup for a delightful treat. Everyone will love these comforting apple dumplings!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples. Just choose a firmer apple that can hold up during baking for the best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Biscuit Dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough, you can use pie crust or even puff pastry for a flakier texture. Just ensure to cut it into the right size to wrap around the apple filling!
How Do I Store Leftover Dumplings?
Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or use the microwave for a quick option!
Can I Freeze Apple Dumplings Before Baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dumplings! Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.