Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Peel, core, and cut each apple into 8 slices. Place them in cold water to prevent browning.

In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, 1 stick butter, and ¼ tsp vanilla. Heat until boiling, stir occasionally, then remove from heat.

Split each biscuit into two layers. Wrap each apple slice in one layer, sealing the bottom. Place seam-side down in the pan.

Pour the warm syrup evenly over the wrapped slices.

Mix remaining ¼ cup sugar with 4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over the dumplings.

Bake for 35 minutes until golden brown and syrup is bubbling.

Cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or extra syrup.