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Cozy Apple Dumplings with Easy Cinnamon Sugar Sauce

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These cozy apple dumplings feature tender, flaky puff pastry wrapped around cinnamon-spiced apples, all baked in a buttery cinnamon sugar sauce. A simple, soul-soothing dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and halved)
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for brushing)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for dusting)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Prep the apples: Peel the apples, then cut them in half through the stem. Use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core and seeds from each half, creating a little hollow. Leave about 1/2 inch at the bottom so the filling doesn’t leak out. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet just slightly to smooth out the creases—about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the sheet into four equal squares. If the pastry starts feeling sticky, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble the dumplings: Place an apple half, cut side up, in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry up over the apple, pinching the seams together to seal. Place each wrapped apple seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
  5. Brush with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar: Melt the 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the dumplings. Mix the 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle generously over the buttered pastry.
  6. Make the cinnamon sugar sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 cup water. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
  7. Pour the sauce around the dumplings: Slowly pour the warm sauce into the baking dish, being careful not to pour it directly over the pastry tops. The sauce should come about halfway up the sides of the dumplings.
  8. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake for 35-40 minutes, basting the dumplings with the sauce halfway through. The pastry should be golden brown and puffed, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the dumplings cool in the dish for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, spooning extra sauce from the dish over each dumpling. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Don’t overwork the puff pastry. Baste the dumplings halfway through baking for a golden crust. Let the dumplings rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. The sauce can be doubled for extra. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dumplings, cinnamon sugar sauce, puff pastry, fall dessert, comfort food, easy apple recipe

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-apple-dumplings-with-easy-cinnamon-sugar-sauce/