Quick Apple Dumplings

1 ½ cups sugar
2 cups water
½ tsp cinnamon, divided
½ tsp nutmeg, divided
¼ cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 (15 oz) packages refrigerated piecrusts
8 medium apples, peeled and cored
3 T butter, cut up
Vanilla ice cream  (optional)

Bring 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 cups water, ¼ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp nutmeg to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.  Remove pan from heat, and stir in ¼ cup butter.  Set syrup aside.
Combine 2/3 cup sugar, remaining ¼ tsp cinnamon, and remaining ¼ tsp nutmeg.
Cut piecrusts in half, and roll into eight 8-inch circles.  Place 1 apple in center of each circle.  Sprinkle each evenly with cinnamon-sugar mixture; dot evenly with 3 T butter.
Fold dough over apples, pinching to seal.  Place in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.  Drizzle with syrup.
Bake dumplings at 375 for 40-45 minutes.  Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.