If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe. It’s all about tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry, filled with a spiced brown sugar mix, and baked to golden perfection. Every bite bursts with cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, complemented by a luscious buttery apple cider sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. This recipe feels like a celebration of fall in every forkful, and it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet impressively elegant and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to masterpiece dumplings. Each one plays a crucial role, from the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples to the golden, flaky puff pastry that envelops them, creating both texture and flavor contrast you’ll adore.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness, and they hold their shape beautifully during baking.
- Puff pastry sheet: This creates the irresistible flaky crust that’s crisp on the outside and buttery inside.
- Light brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness that soaks into the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: The warming spice that pairs perfectly with apple’s natural sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthy spice to enhance the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Cubed into the filling to melt into rich pockets of flavor and also in the sauce to add lusciousness.
- Egg: Beaten for brushing over the pastry to achieve a glossy golden finish after baking.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top of the pastry for a delightful crunch and a little extra sweetness.
- Apple cider and water: Combined into a syrupy sauce that infuses the dumplings with fruitiness and moisture.
- Brown sugar: Added to the sauce for extra caramel notes and richness.
How to Make Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C), the perfect heat for getting the puff pastry golden and the apples tender. While the oven warms, slice your thawed puff pastry sheet into two equal squares. This preps your dough for wrapping those luscious apples.
Step 2: Fill the Apples
Peel and core your Granny Smith apples, making sure to leave the base intact to hold the filling. In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a fragrant, spicy sugar mixture. Stuff the hollowed centers of each apple with this mixture plus a few small cubes of butter, which will melt inside and create pockets of pure buttery sweetness.
Step 3: Wrap and Seal the Dumplings
Place each stuffed apple squarely in the middle of a puff pastry square. Bring the corners up and over the apple, pinching the edges at the top to seal in all that delicious filling and steam. This step locks in the flavors and ensures the apples turn tender yet juicy in their golden pastry shell.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Lay the sealed dumplings into a greased baking dish, then brush each one generously with beaten egg to get that stunning golden crispness. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a subtle sugary crunch once baked.
Step 5: Make the Apple Cider Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, water, butter, and brown sugar. Warm this mixture gently until the butter fully melts and everything is well combined. Pour this fragrant sauce around the dumplings in the baking dish, ensuring they soak up all those cinnamony juices as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky, and the apples have softened to tender perfection. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that already hints at the deliciousness to come.
How to Serve Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes
Once your dumplings come out piping hot, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like toasted pecans to add an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. A drizzle of the baking sauce over the top intensifies flavors and keeps each bite moist and luscious.
Side Dishes
Hot apple dumplings are marvelous on their own but pairing them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes the experience to another level. For an extra cozy vibe, serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich cup of hot cider.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the dumplings in individual mini cast iron skillets or pretty ramekins to keep them warm and make for a charming presentation. You can also garnish with fresh mint leaves or a cinnamon stick for a rustic, inviting look that complements the autumnal flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), let the dumplings cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing much of their charm.
Freezing
For prepping ahead, you can assemble the dumplings without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for fresh-baked goodness any day of the week.
Reheating
Reheat your refrigerated or thawed dumplings in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry soggy and lose that lovely flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tart contrast to the sweetness, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind their sweetness levels and adjust sugar in the filling accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan option for this recipe?
The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but for a vegan twist, swap the butter with plant-based margarine and use a flax or aquafaba mixture instead of egg for the glaze. The dumplings will still be deliciously tender and flavorful.
Can I make these Hot Apple Dumplings in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the dumplings up to a day ahead, keep them refrigerated, and bake right before serving. This makes hosting much easier and keeps the dumplings fresh and flaky.
What’s the best way to add extra texture to the filling?
To add a delightful crunch or chewiness to your dumplings, stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins into the sugar-spice filling. This little twist adds a new dimension that’s truly satisfying.
Can I substitute puff pastry with pie dough?
Definitely. Using pie dough will give you a more traditional apple dumpling with a slightly denser crust, yet just as tasty. It’s a great option if you prefer a homemade pastry flavor over puff pastry’s flakiness.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like coming home. Warm, spicy, buttery, and simply delightful, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions alike. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it earns a permanent place in your dessert rotation. So grab those apples, roll out the pastry, and get ready to indulge in a timeless treat that warms both heart and home.
Print
Hot Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Apple Dumplings are a delightful fall dessert featuring tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in flaky puff pastry, filled with a spiced brown sugar mixture, and baked to golden perfection. Served warm with a buttery apple cider sauce, they offer a comforting and sweet treat perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Apple Dumplings
- 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Apple Cider Sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dumplings.
- Prepare Pastry: Slice the thawed puff pastry sheet into two equal squares for wrapping the apples.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to create a spiced filling.
- Fill Apples: Place one peeled and cored apple in the center of each pastry square. Fill the hollow centers of the apples with the spiced sugar mixture and a few cubes of unsalted butter.
- Wrap Apples: Fold the corners of each pastry square up and over the apple, pinching the pastry securely at the top to seal the dumpling.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the wrapped dumplings seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the dumplings generously with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar to give a glossy, sugary finish.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, water, unsalted butter, and brown sugar. Heat gently until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Add Sauce: Pour the warm apple cider sauce evenly around the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Serve the hot apple dumplings warm, drizzled with the baking sauce or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie dough for a more traditional texture.
- Add chopped pecans or raisins inside the apple filling for additional texture and flavor.