This apple dumpling recipe is something I enjoy making on chilly fall afternoons and sharing with my family. It brings everyone together because no one can resist these! They’re super easy to make with simple ingredients like store-bought pie dough and crisp apples. Plus, they look super impressive.
Serving Suggestions
I always serve my apple dumplings with a scoop of ice cream (my pumpkin ice cream is so good!) and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Yum!
How to Make Apple Dumplings Step by Step
Cut the Leaves: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside. Roll out 2 packages of refrigerated pie or puff pastry to ⅛-inch thickness and cut into 8×8-inch squares. Cut out leaf shapes with a sharp knife and press leaf veins into the leaves with the back of the knife. Keep the remaining pastry cold until ready to use. Cut the Apples: Peel 4 small apples and core them down to the bottom, but not all the way through. Make sure to get all seeds and as much core out as possible. Cut each apple in half lengthwise. Toss the Butter: Mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon (a little apple pie spice is a nice extra ingredient). Toss 4 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter in the cinnamon. Stuff the Apples: Drop butter cubes and cinnamon sugar into the middle of each apple filling the space where the core was. and place cut-side down on a square of pastry. Seal the Dumplings: Working with one apple at a time, bring the edges of the pastry up to the top of the apple until the apple is covered. Crimp the edges together and pinch the dough together to seal firmly. If needed, use a little egg wash or water to moisten the edges so the pastry will stick together. Egg Wash the Dumplings: Dip the ends of each leaf into water and press into the top of the apple. You can add a little stem if desired. Place the apples on the prepared baking sheet and chill until ready to bake. When all apples are prepared, brush with an egg wash (1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water). Bake the Dumplings: Bake for 15 minutes. Glaze the apples with the egg wash again and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if desired. Bake another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and beautiful. If the apples are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to 375°F for the last 10-15 minutes.
