Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe

Okay, let me just say it straight — if you’ve never tried Pioneer Woman’s apple dumplings, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest little pleasures. Warm, buttery, flaky, cinnamony goodness wrapped around tender apples and drenched in a syrup that makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Are you drooling yet? Same here. 🙂

So, what’s the big deal about these apple dumplings? Why do people (myself included) keep coming back to them, even when there are a million other dessert recipes out there? Well, friend, grab your favorite mug of tea (or wine — no judgment), and let’s chat about it.

Why I’m Obsessed with This Recipe

First off, let’s get one thing out of the way: this is not your average “light” dessert. Nope. This recipe is unapologetically buttery, sweet, and over-the-top delicious. And honestly? That’s exactly why we love it.

I first made these apple dumplings years ago after binge-watching Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman) on Food Network. I thought, “Oh sure, I’ll just try this once.” Fast forward to me baking them for every family gathering, holiday, and even random Tuesday nights when life feels like too much. Because — FYI — they’re that easy and that comforting.

And here’s the kicker: they use crescent roll dough. Yeah, no fancy pastry skills required. Isn’t that a relief?

What Makes These Apple Dumplings So Special?

So, what sets Pioneer Woman’s apple dumplings apart from the sea of other desserts?

• Simplicity: You literally only need a handful of ingredients. No trips to weird specialty stores.
• Flavor explosion: The cinnamon-sugar-butter combo is ridiculously good.
• Easy for beginners: Even my little cousin, who once burned toast (true story), nailed this recipe.
• Crowd-pleaser: I dare you to find someone who doesn’t love these.

Seriously — these dumplings are what I like to call “effort-to-wow” ratio gold. Maximum wow factor, minimum effort.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these beauties.

Shopping List

• 2 whole Granny Smith apples
• 2 cans (8 oz. each) crescent roll dough
• 2 sticks butter (yes, two — don’t even think about skimping)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cinnamon (to taste — I go a little wild here, TBH)
• 1 can (12 oz.) Mountain Dew soda (yep, you read that right — just trust the process)

Sounds weird? Maybe. But it works. That Mountain Dew helps create the magical syrup situation that’s so addictive. Ever wondered why you can’t stop at one? This is why.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s actually make these bad boys.

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

• Peel and core your apples.
• Cut each apple into 8 slices.

That’s it. Try not to eat them all while you slice — I fail at this every time.

Step 2: Wrap ‘Em Up

• Unroll your crescent dough triangles.
• Place an apple slice at the wide end of each triangle.
• Roll it up nice and snug like a little apple sleeping bag.

Place all 16 wrapped slices in a buttered 9×13 baking dish. Easy peasy.

Step 3: Butter + Sugar Magic

• In a saucepan, melt the butter.
• Add sugar and stir just until combined (it’ll still be a little grainy — that’s perfect).
• Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Step 4: Pour & Sprinkle

• Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the dumplings.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon over the top.
• Pour the Mountain Dew around (not over) the dumplings in the pan.

And now you’re probably thinking: “Did you just tell me to dump soda into my dessert?” Yes. Yes, I did. Trust me on this one — it creates this caramel-y sauce that’s out of this world.

Step 5: Bake

• Pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
• Try to wait at least 10 minutes before you dive in so you don’t scorch your tongue. (Learned that the hard way. Twice.)

Pro Tips for Next-Level Dumplings

Wanna impress your friends (or yourself) even more? Try these little tricks:

• Use cold butter when greasing the pan to get that extra crispy edge.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for some crunch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — because why not?
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon for a slightly deeper flavor.

And if you’re feeling rebellious, swap Mountain Dew for ginger ale or even hard cider. (Adults only, obviously. 😉)

Why Crescent Rolls Are Genius Here

Okay, let’s pause for a sec and appreciate the crescent rolls. Ever tried making puff pastry from scratch? Yeah… no thanks. Crescent rolls deliver that buttery, flaky vibe without any stress.

You just unwrap, roll, and bake. Done. IMO, it’s one of the best kitchen hacks ever.

FAQS about Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Can I use other apples?

Sure. But Granny Smiths are the queen here because their tartness balances all the sweetness. Other apples can get mushy or too sweet.

What if I hate Mountain Dew?

That’s… unfortunate. But fine. You can use Sprite, 7-Up, ginger ale, or even apple juice. But TBH, Mountain Dew really does something magical here.

Can I make these ahead?

Yep. You can assemble them earlier in the day and bake right before serving. They also reheat beautifully if you somehow have leftovers (lol — good luck with that).

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for… Literally Everyone

Look, I’ve brought these dumplings to potlucks, holidays, awkward family dinners, and even breakups (don’t ask). Here’s why they always work:

• Kids love them: Because sugar. Duh.
• Adults pretend they’re just having “a small piece” and then eat three more.
• They feel homemade but don’t take hours of your life.
• They make your house smell like you’ve been baking all day when really it took like 15 minutes of actual work.

Who doesn’t want that?

A Few Personal Notes

So, here’s my honest take: these dumplings might not win a Michelin star, but they’ll definitely win over anyone with taste buds. The first time I made them, I accidentally doubled the butter (don’t judge), and guess what? Everyone said it was the best dessert they’d ever had. Coincidence? I think not.

Also, one time my cat tried to steal a dumpling off the counter while they were cooling. Even he knows what’s up.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

If you feel like getting creative, here are some tasty variations:

• Peach Dumplings: Swap apples for peach slices. OMG-worthy.
• Berry Blast: Use mixed berries instead of apples and sprinkle with lemon zest.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon for a little heat.
• Mini Dumplings: Cut the crescent dough smaller and make bite-sized versions for parties.

Basically, the possibilities are endless. But let’s be real — the original is hard to beat.

Why You Need to Make These Today

So now you’re probably thinking: “Okay, but do I really need to make these right now?”

Um, yes. Yes, you do.

Because:

• Life is short.
• Apples are cheap.
• Butter is happiness.
• And everyone deserves to eat something that tastes like a hug.

Still on the fence? Imagine biting into that warm, flaky crust, the cinnamon-sugar syrup dripping onto your plate, a cold scoop of ice cream melting on top. Yeah — that mental picture? Go make it happen.

Related Recipes

• Sweet Tart Crust Recipe
• Ice Cream Sundae Cupcakes Recipe
• Angel Food Cake Churro Bites Recipe

Final Thoughts about Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

At the end of the day, Pioneer Woman’s apple dumplings are more than just a dessert — they’re a mood. A warm, buttery, cinnamon-scented mood that says, “You deserve this.”

So don’t wait for Thanksgiving or someone’s birthday or a fancy dinner party. Make them tonight. Make them for no reason at all other than that you want to. And if anyone asks? Tell them your internet friend told you to. 😉

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to make another batch. Because clearly writing about them has me craving one… or three.

TL;DR:

• These dumplings are stupid easy.
• They taste like pure joy.
• Mountain Dew + butter = magic syrup.
• You’ll regret not making them sooner.

What are you waiting for? Go grab those apples and get rolling!

P.S. If you do try them, let me know how many you “accidentally” ate before serving them. No judgment. IMO, the cook deserves at least two for quality control. 😏

Keywords naturally included in this article:

• Pioneer Woman’s apple dumplings recipe
• Easy apple dumplings
• Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
• Mountain Dew apple dumplings
• Buttery cinnamon apple dessert

If you want, I can also help you craft a printable recipe card or even a Pinterest-friendly graphic for it. Just say the word.