Cinnamon Apple Dumplings Recipe – Cozy, buttery pockets of fall

Introduction

The kitchen smelled like browned butter and warm cinnamon tonight, and the tiny sizzle when the 7-Up hit the pan took me right back to my mom’s house. I pulled a single apple into wedges, wrapped them in pillowy dough, and suddenly the whole room felt like a Sunday afternoon. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. If you like a softer, homestyle version, peek at my old-fashioned apple dumplings for another take on the idea.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick to assemble: ready in under an hour.
• Kid-friendly: sweet, not too spicy, and easy to hold.
• Budget-wise: simple pantry ingredients.
• Crowd-pleaser: serves for dessert or a cozy brunch.

Also, if you want another shortcut with cinnamon and apples, try the 2-ingredient apple cinnamon roll bake for an even faster treat.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40–45 minutes
• Total time: 55–60 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: sweet + spiced

This feels simple to pull off, so relax—follow the steps and you’ll have golden, saucy dumplings that almost smell like a hug. For a fried twist that’s delicious, see my cinnamon apple fritters inspiration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large apple
• 1 box Crescent Pillsbury dough (crescent rolls)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup (6 ounces) 7-Up or equivalent soda

Chef notes:

• Choose a firm apple = keeps shape when baking.
• Crescent dough = easy, flaky pockets.
• Unsalted butter = control the sweetness.
• Soda = adds light caramel fizz.
• Vanilla = finish for warmth.

How to Make It

1. First, preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8" x 8" baking pan so nothing sticks.
2. Next, core and cut the apple into 8–10 even wedges; you want pieces that hold together while wrapped.
3. Then, separate the crescent dough into triangles. Wrap each apple slice by rolling from the wide end and pinch the seam tightly so the juices stay inside.
4. Place each wrapped apple piece seam-side down in the baking dish, spacing them so they brown evenly.
5. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the sugar and cinnamon, and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly and smells toasty.
6. After you remove the pan from heat, stir in the vanilla; the aroma should bloom. Pour this cinnamon butter over the dumplings so it pools around each one.
7. Next, carefully pour the 7-Up over the top; you’ll hear a soft fizz that helps form a glossy, saucy finish as it bakes.
8. Finally, bake for 40–45 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce bubbles at the edges; a knife should pierce the apple easily and the dough will have deep golden edges.

When the top is shiny and the aroma fills the house, they’re done.

Also, if you like a richer dough twist, consider the cinnamon roll apple pie idea for a cinnamon-forward upgrade.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Use pre-sliced apples if you need to speed prep—just pat dry first.
2. Common mistake + fix: If seams open in the oven, press them tighter and chill wrapped dumplings 10 minutes before baking.
3. Simple variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap apple for pear slices for a mellow twist.

Serving Ideas

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
• Offer at brunch with whipped cream and coffee.
• Bring to a potluck—tray goes fast.
• Garnish with chopped walnuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for crunch and shine.
  Also, pair with a slice of apple butter cake for a layered apple spread at dessert time.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked dumplings individually, wrapped, up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven 10–12 minutes to preserve texture.

Leftover idea: Chop and fold into yogurt or oatmeal for a quick apple compote bowl.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for a few hours, then bake when ready; add 5–7 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

Q: What substitutions work?
A: Swap club soda for 7-Up if you want less sweetness. Use salted butter, but reduce added salt elsewhere.

Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: The sauce should be bubbling, edges golden, and a paring knife will slip into the apple without resistance. If you see a little caramel browning at the pan edge, you’re there—perfect timing for serving Cinnamon Apple Dumplings.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: You can freeze before baking; thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

I keep this recipe in my back pocket for cool evenings and unexpected company. It’s simple, forgiving, and full of that warm cinnamon-butter comfort I love to serve. Tweak the spice and the soda to your taste, and don’t worry if one seam opens—cover it with sauce and it’ll still taste like home. Give it a try and tell me how your batch turned out—Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

Conclusion

If you want another homestyle version, you might enjoy the country-style recipe at Country-style apple dumplings at Wishes and Dishes. For a very easy baked take, check out a simple baked cinnamon apple dumplings recipe at Little Black Skillet.

Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

Cozy, buttery pockets filled with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for dessert or brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large apple Choose a firm apple to keep shape when baking.
• 1 box Crescent Pillsbury dough Easy, flaky pockets.
• 1/2 cup butter Unsalted butter recommended for controlling sweetness.
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla Adds warmth to the dish.
• 3/4 cup 7-Up or equivalent soda Adds light caramel fizz.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8" x 8" baking pan.
2. Core and cut the apple into 8–10 even wedges.

Wrapping the Apple

1. Separate the crescent dough into triangles and wrap each apple slice, rolling from the wide end and pinching the seam tightly.
2. Place each wrapped apple piece seam-side down in the baking dish, spacing them for even browning.

Making the Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the sugar and cinnamon, whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla.
3. Pour the cinnamon butter over the dumplings.

Baking

1. Carefully pour the 7-Up over the top.
2. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

For a fried twist, try cinnamon apple fritters. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or at brunch with whipped cream.