Rustic Rye Apple Dumplings

Featured in: Sunrise Spoonfuls

Enjoy warm, comforting dumplings featuring tender rye dough encasing spiced apple filling. The dough is chilled and rolled before enveloping a mixture of diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Once sealed and brushed with egg, each dumpling bakes to golden perfection with a crisp crust and a soft, aromatic center. Ideal for dessert or a sweet breakfast, these treats offer the heartiness of rye and sweet apple spices, paired beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or vanilla sauce. Flexible for variations like adding pears or walnuts.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Tender Rustic Rye & Apple Dumplings, golden-brown, filled with spiced apple goodness.  Save It
Tender Rustic Rye & Apple Dumplings, golden-brown, filled with spiced apple goodness. | sunnyspoonful.com

Tender rye dumplings filled with spiced apples, baked until golden and served warm for a comforting dessert or sweet breakfast treat.

I first tried these rustic rye & apple dumplings after a chilly autumn walk. The aroma of spiced apples and buttery dough baking together brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 1 1/4 cups (150 g) rye flour, 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg
  • Apple Filling: 2 large apples (about 300 g), peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • To Finish: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash), 1 tbsp turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Dough:
In a bowl, combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add cold butter and rub in with fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Whisk milk and egg together. Pour into dry ingredients and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork. Wrap and chill dough for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
Mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Shape Dumplings:
Roll out dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick on floured surface. Cut into 6 squares. Place apple filling in center of each. Gather corners and pinch to seal, forming dumplings. Place seam side down on baking sheet.
Finish and Bake:
Brush each dumpling with beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.
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These dumplings have become a weekend tradition in our family. Gathering together to fill and shape each one makes for a cozy kitchen moment.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these dumplings warm, topped with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.

Recipe Variations

Try swapping apples for pears, or add a handful of chopped walnuts to the filling for a delicious twist.

Nutrition Info

Each serving contains approximately 270 calories, 11 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.

Warm Rustic Rye & Apple Dumplings served with vanilla sauce for a comforting dessert.  Save It
Warm Rustic Rye & Apple Dumplings served with vanilla sauce for a comforting dessert. | sunnyspoonful.com

Enjoy these dumplings fresh from the oven for the best texture and flavor. They’re just as wonderful the next morning with coffee.

Recipe FAQs

How is the rye dough made?

Combine rye flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add cold butter, rub in, then gently mix with milk and egg for a soft dough.

Can other fruits be used in the filling?

Yes, pears work well and chopped walnuts can be added for crunch. Adjust sugar for desired sweetness.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve warm, either plain or with vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream for extra indulgence.

Is it possible to prepare the dough ahead?

The dough can be prepared and chilled in advance. Roll and fill just before baking for best texture.

What allergens are present?

They contain wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Be sure to consider ingredient labels for potential sensitivities.

How many dumplings does this yield?

This makes six dumplings, each perfect for a generous dessert or small breakfast serving.

Rustic Rye Apple Dumplings

Golden rye pastry filled with spiced apples and baked for a warm, comforting treat with a delicate crunch.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Duration
55 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Sunrise Spoonfuls

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style European

Recipe Yield 6 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dough

01 1 1/4 cups rye flour
02 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon baking powder
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
07 1/2 cup whole milk
08 1 large egg

Apple Filling

01 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
02 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1 teaspoon lemon juice
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Finish

01 1 egg, beaten
02 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, stir together rye flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add cold cubed butter and rub in with fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 03

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk and egg, then pour into the flour mixture and mix gently to form a soft dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Mix Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Step 05

Roll Out Dough: Dust the countertop lightly with flour. Roll the rested dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 6 equal squares.

Step 06

Fill Dumplings: Place a heaping tablespoon of apple filling in the center of each dough square. Bring up the corners and pinch to seal tightly. Arrange each dumpling seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 07

Glaze Dumplings: Brush each dumpling with beaten egg. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over tops if desired.

Step 08

Bake Dumplings: Bake dumplings for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Cool slightly before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy. Individuals with sensitivity should verify all ingredient labels.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 270
  • Fats: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams