Apple Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients for Apple Dumplings

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and halved
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

How to Make Apple Dumplings

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and halve 6 medium apples.
3. In a large bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Cut in 1 cup of chilled, cubed shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 6 squares.
7. Place an apple half on each dough square. Fold the pastry over the apple to completely enclose it.
8. Arrange the apple dumplings in a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
9. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
10. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
11. Stir in 4 tablespoons of butter until melted and incorporated.
12. Pour the sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the casserole dish.
13. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender. Brush the dumplings with additional sauce halfway through baking.