Nostalgic apple dumplings are a deliciously sweet, flaky and saucy dessert that may look intimidating, but you’ll be surprised how easy they are to make. Festive alert: Decorate them by adhering apple leaves and stems cut from the same dough.

Prep:1 hour
Cook:50 min
Yield:8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup cold water
• 8 medium tart apples, peeled and cored
• 8 teaspoons butter
• 9 teaspoons cinnamon sugar, divided
• sauce:
  • 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into 8 portions. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out each portion of dough between 2 lightly floured sheets of waxed paper into a 7-in. square. Place an apple on each square. Place 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar in the center of each apple.
3. Gently bring up corners of dough to each center, trimming any excess; pinch edges to seal. If desired, cut out apple leaves and stems from dough scraps; attach to dumplings with water. Place dumplings in a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with half the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring just to a boil, stirring until blended. Pour over apples; sprinkle with remaining cinnamon sugar.
5. Bake until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown, 50-55 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 dumpling: 764 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (59g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.