Apple Crescent Dumplings

More About This Recipe

• The most basic definition of a dumpling can be described as a small piece of dough wrapped around a filling and then baked, boiled or fried. Depending on where in the world you live, the way you fill and cook dumplings can vary immensely: In China, a popular way to make dumplings is to fill with chopped vegetables and meats like pork and serve in dishes like dim sum or as wontons; in the Caribbean and Latin America, a popular variety of dumplings is empanadas, which is meat-filled dough that is spiced and fried; and in America, you’ll find the common midwestern and southern dishes “chicken and dumplings” and baked sweet dumplings to be the most popular ways to serve these versatile, doughy bites. And that’s just the beginning! The term “dumpling” is used pretty loosely these days, and there are countless ways to prepare them—there are so many different recipes from so many different regions that it could fill an entire book! Baked dumplings in America are usually served with a sweet filling, much like our recipe for Apple Crescent Dumplings and can be served as a breakfast treat or dessert. Apples are certainly one of the most common fillings, paired with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The flavor is very similar to a traditional apple pie. You can either make dough from scratch or use shortcut dough (like Pillsbury™ Original Crescent Rolls). The dumplings are baked in a pan surrounded by a sweet sauce until the pastry dough is golden brown and the filling is tender. It’s said that the apple dumpling originated in Pennsylvania, but nowadays, it’s rather popular through the entire United States, along with a few other flavors like our Peach Crescent Dumplings and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dumplings.