Homemade Dumplings: Easy Recipe for Perfect Fluffy Dumplings Every Time

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Craving light, fluffy, homemade dumplings just like mom used to make? You’re in the right place! These easy dumplings are made with just six simple pantry ingredients and pair perfectly with soups and stews. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious, tender dumplings to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 dumplings

What Are Dumplings?

Dumplings are small, doughy morsels that can be boiled, steamed, or fried. While there are many variations across cultures—like Chinese dumplings filled with pork or Polish pierogies—this recipe focuses on classic American drop dumplings. These are typically paired with soups and stews like chicken and dumplings for a rich, hearty meal.

Ingredients for Homemade Dumplings

This simple dumpling recipe requires only:

  • Flour: All-purpose flour creates the structure.
  • Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, giving the dumplings a light, airy texture.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps retain moisture.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors of the dough.
  • Butter or Margarine: Adds richness and ensures the dumplings remain tender.
  • Milk: Helps form a smooth, scoopable dough.

How to Make Dumplings From Scratch

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add cold butter to the dry ingredients, cutting it in until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Add Milk: Stir in milk to form a thick batter, then let it rest for 3-5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of batter into boiling soup or stew. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  5. Serve: Enjoy these warm, fluffy dumplings with your favorite stew or soup.

Storing and Freezing Dumplings

Leftovers? Store your cooked dumplings in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or microwave. To freeze dumplings, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and flash freeze for 3 hours. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw for 30 minutes before adding to your stew.

Ingredients for Homemade Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the structure.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: Makes the dumplings light and fluffy.
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps retain moisture.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
  • ½ cup milk: Helps form a smooth, scoopable dough.

Directions:

Step 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Step 2
Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Gradually stir in the milk until you get a thick batter that can be easily scooped with a spoon. Let the batter rest for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3
Scoop spoonfuls of the batter and drop them into boiling stew or soup. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 4
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Fluffy Dumplings:

  • Add 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes to the dry ingredients for extra flavor.
  • Sift the flour mixture for a finer consistency.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 105
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 3g

Ready for some hearty comfort food? These homemade dumplings will be the perfect addition to your next stew or soup!

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