Amish Peach Dumplings Recipe

Flour: The base for the pastry dough, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and the syrup.

Salt: Enhances the flavors in the dough.

Shortening: Creates a flaky texture in the pastry.

Milk: Moistens the dough, making it easier to work with.

Peaches: The star of the dish, providing a juicy and sweet filling.

Water: Used to create the syrup that will coat the dumplings.

Butter: Adds richness to the syrup.

Cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with warm, spicy notes.

When rolling out the dough, ensure it is evenly flattened to about ⅛ inch thickness. This will help the dumplings cook uniformly and achieve a perfect golden brown crust. Use a light touch with the rolling pin to avoid overworking the dough, which can make it tough. If the dough starts to stick, lightly dust the surface and rolling pin with flour.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the dough denser.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds moisture, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content, which can enhance the flavor subtly.

• shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can create a flakier texture, though it may make the dough less tender.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• peaches - Substitute with apples: Apples can provide a similar texture and sweetness, though they may need to be cooked slightly longer to soften.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique flavor and natural sweetness, but you may need to adjust the liquid content in the recipe.

• water - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can add a subtle fruity flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dumplings.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can provide a similar texture and flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements fruit desserts well, though it is slightly stronger than cinnamon.

• Allow the peach dumplings to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dumplings soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the dumplings in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• To freeze the dumplings, first arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours or until the dumplings are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the dumplings to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the pastry is crisp.

• For an extra touch, brush the dumplings with a bit of melted butter before reheating to enhance their golden-brown color and flavor.

• If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a dumpling on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the peach dumplings in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the dumplings from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are warmed through.
  5. For a crispier texture, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the peach dumplings on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or water to the skillet to prevent sticking.
  3. Place the peach dumplings in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the dumplings are warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place the peach dumplings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the dumplings are warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the peach dumplings on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes for a crispier finish.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the dumplings until golden brown.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the flour, sugar, and salt, and to mix in the shortening and milk.

• Pastry cutter: Essential for cutting in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.

• Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the dough.

• Knife: Used to cut the rolled-out dough into 6 squares.

• Peeler: Necessary for peeling the peaches.

• Baking dish: Holds the dumplings while they bake in the oven.

• Saucepan: Used to combine and heat the sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon to create the syrup.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and water.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of smaller ingredients like salt, sugar, and cinnamon.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the syrup mixture in the saucepan.

• Pastry brush: Can be used to brush any excess syrup over the dumplings before baking.

• Cooling rack: Allows the dumplings to cool slightly after baking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Peel and halve the peaches in advance to save time during assembly.

Use pre-made dough: Substitute homemade dough with store-bought pie crust to cut down on preparation time.

Simplify the syrup: Mix sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon directly in the baking dish instead of a saucepan to save a step.

Batch work: Roll out and cut all dough squares at once to streamline the process.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin assembling the dumplings to ensure it’s ready when you are.