Making homemade dumplings feels like wrapping love into every bite. These fluffy, tender morsels of dough are the soul of comfort food. Perfect for soups, stews, or even as a stand-alone dish, this recipe is all about hearty flavor and wholesome simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of hands-on effort, you’ll whip up a batch of dumplings that will impress your family and maybe even become a new mealtime favorite.
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Homemade Dumplings Recipe
What’s more comforting than a pot of soup or stew topped with warm, fluffy dumplings? For many of us, it brings back memories of family dinners or cozy weekends at home. Homemade dumplings are a timeless comfort food, loved for their pillowy texture and ability to soak up flavors. This recipe lets you create them from scratch, whether you’re new to cooking or someone who just wants a fun kitchen project. Originally popular in many cultures – think Chinese dumplings, Polish pierogis, or Southern-style comforts – these simple dough bites are now a universal favorite. The best part? You’ve probably got most of the ingredients sitting in your kitchen already. All you need is a little time and maybe a side of soup or stew to make this dish shine.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple pantry ingredients for quick prep.
- Fluffy and tender texture every time.
- Versatile – perfect for soups, stews, or as a side dish.
- Step-by-step guide ideal for beginners.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
- Fun and easy for the whole family to make together.
- No fancy tools required – just mix, scoop, and cook!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Flour: Basic all-purpose flour works best, but you can use whole wheat for a healthier spin.
- Butter or Shortening: Adds fluffiness – swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Baking Powder: Essential for the puff, no substitutes here.
- Milk: Regular or plant-based options (like almond milk) work.
- Salt: Enhances flavor – feel free to adjust based on preference.
- Optional Herbs (Parsley, Thyme): These add extra flavor, but skip if you prefer plain dumplings.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, including flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2: Cut in the butter or shortening until the mixture resembles small peas.
- Step 3: Gradually stir in milk to form a soft dough that holds together.
- Step 4: Scoop small spoonfuls of dough onto a simmering pot of soup or stew.
- Step 5: Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook, steaming until fluffy (about 10-15 minutes).
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t over-mix the dough; it should just come together.
Use a gentle hand when scooping dough onto the pot to keep them light.
Let the pot stay tightly covered while the dumplings steam – peeking will interrupt the magic!
If your stew is too thick, thin it out just slightly so the steam can fully cook the dumplings.
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme add more punch, but don’t go overboard.
Variations and Customizations
Want cheesy dumplings? Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar for a melty twist. Gluten-free? Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour substitute for the same results. Love spices? Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or even curry powder for a flavor boost. You can also swap milk with non-dairy options for a vegan-friendly dumpling recipe.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these homemade dumplings is approximately 150 calories, with around 6g of fat, 20g of carbs, and 3g of protein. They’re low in cholesterol and provide a moderate source of iron. To make them lighter, you can reduce the butter or switch to a plant-based milk. Pair them with a broth-based soup for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a pot of broth or sauce on low heat to bring back their soft texture – avoid microwaving them, as they may turn rubbery. You can also freeze uncooked dumpling dough for up to one month. Just thaw and cook as instructed when ready.
Recipe Card of Homemade Dumplings
Ingredients list
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 0.5 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and prepare to create a delightful batch of homemade dumplings.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Work the margarine into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the milk and blend just until a dense batter forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into simmering soup or stew without lifting the lid, and let them cook for 15 minutes until tender and fluffy.
- Serve the dumplings hot, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors!
Recipe Video
Notes
Swap out margarine for butter for a richer taste.
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but let it sit at room temperature for a bit before using.
What’s the secret to fluffy dumplings?
The key is to handle the dough gently and cook it with the pot covered to trap the steam inside.
Do I have to use butter?
Not at all! You can swap it out for shortening or even coconut oil if you want a dairy-free or vegan version.
Can I bake dumplings instead of steaming them?
Not these ones. This particular recipe is designed for steaming, so they won’t work in the oven.
Why are my dumplings tough?
Over-mixing the dough is usually the culprit. Be gentle when mixing, and stop as soon as the dough comes together.
Wow, this Homemade Dumplings recipe is such a gem! I love how quick and easy it is—just 20 minutes for fluffy dumplings that pair perfectly with chicken soup. I might try swapping margarine for butter for a richer flavor. Thanks for sharing such a cozy and comforting recipe!