Maple Glazed Apple Dumpling Turnovers

September 17 marks National Apple Dumpling Day, celebrating the cozy pastry pockets long beloved in American kitchens. These maple-glazed turnovers tuck spiced diced apples into flaky crust for a portable twist on the classic dumpling.

Serves 6 · 25 min prep · 22 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 365 cal
• 4g protein
• 52g carbs
• 16g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts or puff pastry sheets
• 3 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp for glaze pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom or nutmeg
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1–2 tsp milk or cream for glaze

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. 2In a skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
3. 3Cook the apples 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and release juices but still hold some shape.
4. 4Sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook 1 minute more until the filling thickens and looks glossy. Stir in maple syrup, then remove from heat and cool 10 minutes.
5. 5Unroll the pastry and cut into six equal rectangles or squares.
6. 6Spoon cooled apple filling onto one half of each piece, leaving a clean border. Fold the pastry over to enclose the filling and crimp the edges firmly with a fork.
7. 7Transfer the turnovers to the baking sheet. Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops for browning. Cut a small steam vent in each.
8. 8Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is deep golden and flaky and the filling is bubbling at the vents.
9. 9While the turnovers cool slightly, whisk powdered sugar with the remaining maple syrup and just enough milk to make a thick, pourable glaze.
10. 10Drizzle the maple glaze over the warm turnovers so it sets into a shiny coat.
11. 11Let the glaze firm for a few minutes before serving.
12. 12Enjoy warm or at room temperature; the maple-spiced apple filling and crisp pastry deliver classic dumpling flavor in hand-held form.