Quebec Maple Syrup Dumplings (Grands-Peres)

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and kosher salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add milk and vanilla, tossing with a fork until dough comes together; set aside., In a Dutch oven, combine water, brown sugar, butter, syrup and vanilla. Cook on high until mixture reaches a simmer. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls on top of the simmering liquid. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until a toothpick inserted in center of dumplings comes out clean, 13-15 minutes, spooning sauce over dumplings halfway through cooking., Serve warm with ice cream.