Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (2024)

Home » Recipes » Side Dish » Drop Dumplings Recipe

This super easy drop dumplings recipe is a delicious way to upgrade any soup, stew, or casserole you can think of. These fluffy dumplings are soft, pillowy, and absorb all the yummy flavors of whatever dish you add them to. A beginner-friendly homemade dumpling recipe ready in about 20 minutes!

Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (2)

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Drop Dumpling Recipe
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Old Fashioned Drop Dumplings
  • Tips for Success
  • What to Serve with Drop Dumplings
  • How Do I Store Leftovers?
  • More Easy Breads and Side Dishes
  • Get the Recipe

    Why You’ll Love This Drop Dumpling Recipe

    Made with pantry staple ingredients, you won’t believe how easy these are to make! Here’s why we love making our own dumplings:

    • Fluffy: You know the saying that everything is better when homemade? Well, in this case, we agree! These drop biscuits are so much fluffier and tastier than canned biscuit dumplings.
    • Quick and Easy: These homemade dumplings are super quick, they are ready to go into the pot in just 5 minutes. If you can whisk together ingredients and use a cookie scoop, you will be a pro at this easy recipe.
    • Affordable: You can make these extra fluffy dumplings at home for less than the price of a can of biscuits! We bet you already have the ingredients you need on hand.
    • Versatile: Drop dumplings are a Southern specialty perfect to add to any soup, stew, or casserole. You can also add seasonings, parmesan cheese, or herbs to give them a unique flavor. For a sweet twist, add 3 tablespoons of sugar and use them as a topping for a fruit cobbler!
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (3)

    What You’ll Need

    Our favorite recipes are those that only need a few ingredients, and these drop dumplings don’t disappoint! Check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact amounts.

    • Flour: All-purpose flour works great for this drop-in dumpling dough. If you have self rising flour, you can use it instead, but skip the added baking powder.
    • Baking Powder
    • Salt and Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper will give you the best flavor.
    • Whole Milk: Don’t skimp on the fat here!
    • Butter: We recommend unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt. However, if you use salted butter, only add an additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (4)

    How to Make Old Fashioned Drop Dumplings

    Our favorite way to use this light and fluffy drop dumplings recipe is in our easy chicken and dumplings, but you can cook these up in any hot soup or stew in exactly the same way.

    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (5)
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (6)
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (7)
    • Dough: Add the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix together. Create a little well in the center and slowly add the milk and butter. Mix until just combined and you have a nice dough.
    • Scoop: We use a medium cookie scoop to make this process super easy, but if you don’t have one, you can also use two spoons. Carefully drop the dumplings into the hot broth and lightly stir them until covered.
    • Cook: Cover the pot and let them simmer in the soup for about 15 minutes, until cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (8)

    Tips for Success

    For the tastiest, lightest, and most fluffy dumplings possible, be sure to check out these tips:

    • Add Herbs: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary is an easy customization that adds a LOT of flavor. If using fresh minced herbs, you can add between a 1/2 to a full tablespoon. If using dried herbs, add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
    • Scooping Dumplings: We find it much easier to scoop dumplings with a cookie scoop. However, if you do not have one, you can use two spoons! Scoop a round of dough with one spoon and push it off and into the pot with your second spoon. Try to make sure your dumplings are even in size so they all cook evenly.
    • Use A Lid: Make sure you have the lid on the pot, or make one out of foil! This is important step to help trap in the heat to cook the dumplings evenly. If you have the cover on and they still aren’t cooking, make sure you have the heat up just high enough that the soup is simmering (a low bubble).
    • Properly Measure Flour: To make fluffy dumplings every time, properly measure your flour! First, fluff up theflourin the bag or canister. Spoon theflourinto themeasuringcup. Then, scrape a knife across the top of themeasuringcup to level theflour. If you scoop directly into a packed bag of flour, you can get too much flour, creating overly dense dumplings.
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (9)

    What to Serve with Drop Dumplings

    You can use drop style dumplings in any soup, stew, or casserole you’d like! They work beautifully in classic comfort food dishes like our easy chicken and dumplings and crockpot chicken and dumplings. You can also use them on top of our crock pot chicken pot pie!

    These dumplings are also delicious baked on top of creamy casseroles like this cajun chicken casserole or chicken pot pie casserole. Drop the dumplings on top of your casserole and bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown.

    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (10)

    How Do I Store Leftovers?

    Drop dumplings in soups and stews make an excellent lunch or dinner the next day. Here is how you can store and reheat leftovers:

    • Store in the Fridge: While drop dumplings will always be best when fresh, they hold up well in the fridge. We recommend storing them separately from the soup, as they will continue to soak up the extra liquid when stored. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    • Reheat: Since drop dumplings soak up any broth they’re in overnight, we recommend adding additional liquid before reheating. Use the kind of broth you originally used in your soup: chicken, beef, veggie, etc. This will give you that lovely “soupiness” you enjoyed the first night!
    • Freezer: We don’t recommend you freeze this drop dumpling recipe. Cooked dumplings will soak up all the broth in a dish, and the texture won’t be the same once thawed.
    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (11)

    More Easy Breads and Side Dishes

    • Homemade Garlic Bread
    • Coconut Rice
    • Easy Beer Bread Recipe
    • Roasted Root Vegetables
    • Broccoli Mac and Cheese
    • Classic Cornbread

    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (12)

    4.7 from 3 votes

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 6 servings

    Drop Dumplings Recipe

    This super easy drop dumplings recipe is a delicious way to upgrade any soup, stew, or casserole. These homemade dumplings are soft, pillowy, and absorb all the yummy flavors of whatever dish you add them to. Beginner-friendly and ready in about 20 minutes!

    Prep Time8 minutes minutes

    Cook Time15 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
    • ¾ cup whole milk
    • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

    Instructions

    • Grab a medium size bowl add the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper stir, make a well and pour the milk and butter into the well.

    • Stir the flour mixture until it is the consistency of dough.

    • Use a medium sized cookie scoop, or a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and form a ball, and add the dumplings carefully into the pot. Make sure to spread the dumplings out through the broth and lightly stir as you go so the dumplings are covered with the broth.

    • Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15 to 17 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.

    Notes

    Store: While drop dumplings will always be best when fresh, they hold up well in the fridge. We recommend storing them separately from the soup, as they will continue to soak up the extra liquid when stored. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

    Reheat: Since drop dumplings soak up any broth they’re in overnight, we recommend adding additional liquid before reheating. Use the kind of broth you originally used in your soup: chicken, beef, veggie, etc. This will give you that lovely “soupiness” you enjoyed the first night!

    Flour: All-purpose flour works great for this drop-in dumpling dough. If you have self rising flour, you can use it instead, but skip the added baking powder.

    Properly Measure Flour: To make fluffy dumplings every time, properly measure your flour! First, fluff up theflourin the bag or canister. Spoon theflourinto themeasuringcup. Then, scrape a knife across the top of themeasuringcup to level theflour. If you scoop directly into a packed bag of flour, you can get too much flour, creating overly dense dumplings.

    Add Herbs: Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary is an easy customization that adds a LOT of flavor. If using fresh minced herbs, you can add between a 1/2 to a full tablespoon. If using dried herbs, add anywhere from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.

    Scooping Dumplings: We find it much easier to scoop dumplings with a cookie scoop. However, if you do not have one, you can use two spoons! Scoop a round of dough with one spoon and push it off and into the pot with your second spoon. Try to make sure your dumplings are even in size so they all cook evenly.

    Use A Lid: Make sure you have the lid on the pot, or make one out of foil! This is important step to help trap in the heat to cook the dumplings evenly. If you have the cover on and they still aren’t cooking, make sure you have the heat up just high enough that the soup is simmering (a low bubble).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 239kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 478mg, Potassium: 97mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 285IU, Calcium: 165mg, Iron: 2mg

    © Ellen

    Cuisine: American

    Category: 30 Minutes Or Less, Casserole, Main Dish, Soup

    Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe | Fluffy Homemade Dumplings In 20 Minutes! (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to perfect dumplings? ›

    Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

    First, mix the dumpling ingredients just until the dough comes together. You'll whisk together the dry ingredients, then add melted butter and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour.

    How do you know when drop dumplings are done? ›

    Stick your toothpick through a dumpling and pull it straight out. If the toothpick comes out clean, they're ready to eat.

    Why are my drop dumplings not fluffy? ›

    The trickiest part of the dumplings remaining fluffy lies with the cooking time. If the dumplings are cooked for too long, then they will become hard. If they are cooked and allowed to remain in the heated environment – in the hot liquid or covered in the hot pot, then the dumpling will contract and get hard.

    Which flour is best for dumplings? ›

    These dumplings start with all-purpose flour, which creates structure and holds the other ingredients together. Baking powder is a leavening agent, which means it releases gas that makes the dough expand. It's responsible for the dumplings' light and fluffy texture.

    Can you use plain flour for dumplings? ›

    For dumplings made with wheat flour, all purpose or plain flour will suffice. If your recipe calls for leavening, you'll need to add baking powder and salt. Alternatively, you can use self-rising flour which has the leavening included. For a lot of dumplings, plain flour is all that is required with no baking powder.

    How long to cook dumplings in boiling water? ›

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook dumplings in batches of about eight until they are cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the dumplings to a serving platter. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.

    What are the 3 components of dumplings? ›

    What are dumplings made of? The dumpling dough is made of three main ingredients: flour, water and salt. But which flour you use depends on which dumpling you want to make.

    Why did my drop dumplings fall apart? ›

    Don't boil or stir the dumplings.

    Vigorous boiling and stirring will cause the dumplings to fall apart.

    Do you cook dumplings on low or high heat? ›

    To steam-fry, heat a large frying pan over medium-high and, when hot, drizzle with vegetable oil. Working in batches, add the dumplings, flat-side down, and cook until the bottoms of the dumplings are lightly browned—this should take 1–2 minutes (if there is too much heat, reduce to medium).

    Why won t my dumplings cook? ›

    Double-check that you added the correct amount of baking powder and that it's not expired. Additionally, if the dumplings don't have room to grow in the pot, they may not rise properly. Make sure to drop them spaced apart and on top of the meat and vegetables so that they don't sink into the stew.

    Should dumplings float or sink? ›

    The dumplings will be completely cooked and ready when they float on the surface of the boiling water.

    Why are my homemade dumplings chewy? ›

    If you are using a high-protein flour, such as bread flour, the dumplings may be tough. Using a lower-protein flour, such as all-purpose or cake flour, can help to make the dumplings softer and more tender. Overworking the dough: If you knead the dough too much or handle it too much, it can become tough.

    What is the best way to thicken dumplings? ›

    Use Cornstarch to Thicken Chicken and Dumplings

    To give that a little thicker texture we're going to add 1 cup of cool water to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and stir it up well. Make sure the soup is brought back to a good boil and go ahead and stir in the cornstarch mixture.

    Why do my dumplings fall apart when I cook them? ›

    Homemade dumplings can fall apart for a number of different reasons, or any combination of them. Often they burst during cooking because they have too much filling for the amount of dough. Some doughs are too dry, so the dumplings won't stay sealed. Others can be too wet and sticky and end up tearing.

    How do I get my dumplings crispy? ›

    If you want to get similar results at home, there are only two tricks you really need. First is to add a bit of extra starch to your dumplings. Dust them with cornstarch, shaking off the excess before the initial fry. Second is to use a non-stick skillet, or an extremely well-seasoned cast iron pan.

    How to make dumplings more juicy? ›

    Hand-mincing meat and adding more pork belly results in the juiciest dumplings. Traditionally, some Chinese cuisine uses hand minced meat for their dishes. For example, lots of dim sum items like siu mai, pork buns, beef meatball, and more use hand minced meat to control the texture and fat content of the dish!

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6436

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Birthday: 1999-11-18

    Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

    Phone: +50616620367928

    Job: Real-Estate Liaison

    Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

    Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.