Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

 

1 (17.3-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets

8 small Rome Beauty apples, cored

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon, or to taste

1 teaspoon granulated natural butter flavored sprinkles (such as Butter Buds)

 

Water for spraying

3 tablespoons cool water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

     Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Thaw pastry sheets overnight in the refrigerator so they are cold when you begin to work with them. Lay sheets out on a counter. With a pizza cutter, cut each into four squares. Place an apple, stem end down, on each square.      In a medium bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter sprinkles. Pour some of the mixture into the core of each apple until it is level with the top. Save the remaining mixture to make cinnamon sauce.

 

    Spray apples and pastry lightly with water until moistened to keep the dumplings from popping open during baking. Alternating corners,  pull the pastry up and over the apple. This will make four new corners.  Again, pull pastry corners up and over the apple in the same order. Now the dumpling is completely wrapped. Pinch the pastry together on top to ensure that it won't pop open.

 

    Place dumplings on a baking sheet so they are not touching. Spray generously with water.

 

    Bake about 45 minutes or until a sharp knife inserts easily from the side. Spray the dumplings with water every 10 minutes or so to prevent burning.    While the dumplings are baking, make cinnamon sauce by slowly combining remaining dry mixture with cool water and vanilla until a thin syrup forms.

 

    When dumplings are done, serve in bowls with cinnamon sauce and whipped cream topping, if desired.

 

Makes 8 servings

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes

Thawing time: overnight

Cooking time: 45 minutes