My mother made mouth watering apple dumplings and down through the years I've made them too, but not as good as she. Here is a recipe as close to her's as I can get. I think she may have used less shortening - made it more like a biscuit dough.

2 c. sugar (part or all brown may be used)
2 c. water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon (I sometimes leave out cinnamon & use 1/2 - 3/4 tsp. nutmeg)
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 c. butter

Combine and bring to boil; simmer while preparing 6 apples, pared and cut in fourths. We always used Early Harvest, but any tart apple may be used.

2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. shortening (I use Crisco)
1/2 c. milk

Sift flour, salt and baking powder, cut in Crisco. Add milk all at once. Stir until moistened. Roll 1/4" thick, cut in 5" squares. Arrange 4 pieces apple on each square, sprinkle with additional sugar (1 to 2 teaspoons) cinnamon and nutmeg; dot with butter. Fold corners to center; pinch edges together. Place 1" apart on greased 2" deep baking dish. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. Good served warm or cold with sauce and cream or ice cream.