Name: Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for glaze); 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. They combine tender crescent roll dough with a warm, spiced apple filling and a sweet, buttery glaze. This recipe is a delicious twist on traditional apple dumplings and can be made quickly with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re serving them as an after-dinner treat or for a cozy weekend snack, these dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings because they are a delightful combination of flaky dough, warm spiced apples, and a sugary glaze that makes each bite heavenly. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to put together while delivering incredible flavor. The crescent rolls are an easy shortcut to making the dough, while the glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture. Plus, it’s such a comforting dish to enjoy on a cool day or serve at a family gathering.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough (I usually go for the seamless version, but the perforated kind works just as well)
4 tablespoons butter, melted (you can use salted or unsalted butter depending on your preference)

For the Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (this amount helps balance out the tartness of the apples)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I love a little extra cinnamon for warmth, but feel free to adjust it to your taste)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but I highly recommend adding it for a subtle, cozy flavor)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the best flavor, I always use real vanilla extract instead of imitation)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. I prefer non-stick spray for easier cleanup.
Prepare the Apples
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Toss everything together so the apples are evenly coated. This step draws out moisture from the apples and lets the flavors meld together.
Wrap the Apples
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a few apple slices at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up toward the point, making sure the apples are snug inside but not bursting out. I pinch the edges to seal the rolls, but it’s not necessary.
Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the wrapped apple dumplings into the prepared baking dish. Arrange them evenly with a little space between each one for proper heat circulation.
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour Glaze Over Dumplings
Carefully pour the glaze evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish. You can use a spoon to help distribute the glaze over each dumpling.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden and the sauce is bubbly. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid burning. Every oven is a bit different, so adjust the time as needed.
Cool & Serve
Let the dumplings cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re perfect on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 dumplings, so it’s perfect for a small group or family. The total prep time is roughly 15 minutes, with a baking time of 25-30 minutes. You can expect the whole process to take about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Add nuts: You can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Spiced up glaze: For a twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of bourbon to the glaze to give it a warm, spiced kick.
Different fruits: While apples are classic, you could also try pears or peaches for a unique variation on this dish.
Caramel sauce: Instead of the glaze, you can drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also store the glaze separately and reheat it for a fresh drizzle on top.

FAQs

How do I get some glaze on every dumpling?

To ensure each dumpling gets a good amount of glaze, carefully pour the glaze evenly over the entire baking dish, or use a spoon to scoop up the glaze and drizzle it over any areas that need more coverage.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply cook the glaze a little longer on the stove to reduce the liquid. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple dumplings the night before, cover them, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply take them out of the fridge and bake as directed.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or even homemade biscuit dough as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I store these dumplings if I want to keep them longer?

To keep them for more than 3 days, I recommend freezing the dumplings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are an easy, delicious dessert that everyone will love. The buttery, flaky dough combined with the cinnamon-spiced apples and the sweet glaze makes for a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these dumplings are sure to be a hit. Plus, with the ability to customize and make them ahead of time, they are perfect for any occasion.