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.