Amish Winter Treat’: Just 3 ingredients. I rely on this one when I need something warm and festive fast.

When the wind comes whistling across the fields and the daylight disappears before supper, I find myself reaching for the same kind of comfort my mother and grandmother did: something warm, sweet, and simple bubbling away while the house fills with spice. These slow cooker Amish 3-ingredient winter spice dumplings are the sort of humble dessert you’d find on a farmhouse table after chores were done, made from pantry staples and a little patience. The Amish and other rural Midwestern families have always been masters of stretching ingredients, turning a few basics into something that tastes like a celebration. This is the kind of recipe you make when you’re tired, when money’s tight, or when you just want the house to smell like the holidays without fussing over a dozen steps. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, but nostalgic enough to bring back memories of snow on the windowsill and boots drying by the back door.

These dumplings are lovely all on their own, spooned straight from the slow cooker into warm bowls with plenty of that spiced syrup ladled over the top. If you want to dress them up a bit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a beautiful contrast to the warm, fragrant sauce. They’re also wonderful alongside a simple pot of coffee or hot tea, or even a mug of warm cider if you’re leaning into the winter mood. For a heartier farmhouse-style dessert, serve them after a simple supper of roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans, letting the dumplings be the sweet, cozy finish that brings everyone back to the table for just one more story.

2 cups dry baking mix (such as biscuit or pancake baking mix)
2 cups spiced apple cider (or apple juice with winter spices, such as cinnamon and cloves)
1 cup brown sugar, packed