Fluffy Drop Dumplings Recipe: Homemade Comfort in Every Bite

Mastering the art of comfort food involves creating delectable drop dumplings that melt in your mouth.

Fluffy clouds of dough dance elegantly in simmering broth, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Generations have cherished this simple yet magical dish passed down through kitchens everywhere.

Southern cooks know precisely how to blend flour, milk, and seasonings into perfect pillowy morsels.

Tender, light, and irresistibly comforting, these dumplings bring instant happiness to any meal.

Each spoonful connects you with traditional home cooking that feels like a loving embrace.

I guarantee this recipe will become your new go-to comfort classic that everyone around the table will adore.

What Makes Drop Dumplings A Comfort Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: These drop dumplings transform any ordinary soup or stew into a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master Simplicity: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can create these fluffy dumplings, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Forget complicated techniques – simply mix, drop, and cook for a delicious addition to your favorite broth that comes together faster than you can order takeout.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: These dumplings work with virtually any soup or stew, making them a go-to recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients Needed for Fluffy Drop Dumplings

• Flour: A base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the dumplings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the dumplings rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dumpling ingredients together.
• Butter: Provides richness and a subtle, smooth flavor to the dumplings.
• Egg: Optional ingredient that adds extra richness and helps bind the mixture.

• Broth or Stew: The liquid base where the dumplings will be cooked, providing flavor and moisture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drop Dumplings

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly blended and any lumps are broken up.

Step 2: Create Dumpling Batter

Pour in milk, melt some butter, and crack an egg (if you’re using one).

Stir everything together gently until the mixture just comes together. You’re looking for a thick, slightly sticky consistency that promises fluffy dumplings.

Step 3: Prepare Simmering Liquid

Get your favorite soup or stew bubbling gently on the stove. The liquid should be at a soft simmer, not a rolling boil.

Step 4: Drop Dumplings into Broth

Use a spoon to carefully drop dollops of the batter into the simmering liquid. Make sure the dumplings aren’t touching each other – they need space to puff up and cook.

Step 5: Cover and Steam

Place a tight-fitting lid on your pot and let the dumplings steam and cook for 10-15 minutes. Don’t peek too often!

The steam is working its magic to create light, fluffy dumplings.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Gently lift a dumpling with a spoon.

It should be puffy, cooked through, and have a tender texture. If they look a bit wet or doughy, give them a few more minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup or stew into bowls, making sure each serving gets some delicious dumplings. Enjoy the comforting, homemade goodness straight away while they’re warm and fluffy.

Pro Tips for Light and Fluffy Drop Dumplings

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free dough mixing and even cooking.
• Avoid overmixing the dumpling batter to keep them tender and light; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Maintain a gentle simmer when cooking dumplings to prevent them from becoming tough or falling apart.
• Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – it should come out clean and dry.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.

Creative Twists on Classic Drop Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Herb Dumplings: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, add dried thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Dumplings: Swap milk with coconut milk, use coconut oil instead of butter for a rich, creamy alternative.
• Whole Wheat Protein Dumplings: Use whole wheat flour, mix in ground flaxseed or protein powder for added nutrition and heartiness.
• Vegan Vegetable Dumplings: Substitute egg with ground chia seeds, use plant-based milk, and incorporate finely chopped spinach or herbs for depth.

Serving Suggestions for Drop Dumplings

• Rustic Comfort Plate: Serve these tender dumplings nestled in a hearty beef stew, creating a warming meal that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
• Chicken Soup Sidekick: Float the dumplings on top of a classic chicken soup, transforming a simple broth into a comforting, filling dish that feels like a culinary embrace.
• Vegetable Medley Companion: Add these dumplings to a rich vegetable stew packed with seasonal produce, offering a satisfying protein boost and delightful texture contrast.
• Country Breakfast Twist: Top the dumplings with sausage gravy for a Southern-style morning meal that brings rustic charm to your breakfast table.

Best Practices for Storing Drop Dumplings

• Refrigerate leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze individual dumplings on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 1 month.
• Reheat refrigerated dumplings by placing them in simmering broth for 3-5 minutes, ensuring they warm evenly without becoming soggy.
• Microwave frozen dumplings in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What are drop dumplings?

Drop dumplings are simple, rustic dough balls that are “dropped” directly into simmering liquid like broth or stew, creating a soft, tender texture without needing to be rolled or shaped.

• Can I make drop dumplings without an egg?

Yes, eggs are optional in this recipe. The dumplings will still turn out fluffy and delicious even if you skip the egg, though the egg can help provide extra richness and structure.

• How do I know when drop dumplings are fully cooked?

Drop dumplings are done when they are puffed up, look fluffy, and have been cooking for 10-15 minutes. They should feel firm when gently touched and not have any raw dough in the center.

Easy Drop Dumplings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern drop dumplings elevate comfort cooking with rustic charm from Grandma’s kitchen. Hearty, pillowy dough melts into savory broth, inviting warm memories of home-cooked meals you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter or oil

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 egg

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sift together dry ingredients in a mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution of flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Create a soft, slightly sticky dough by gently incorporating milk, melted butter, and optional egg, mixing minimally to prevent toughness.
3. Prepare a simmering pot of broth or stew, maintaining a gentle heat around 185-190°F.
4. Using a tablespoon, carefully drop rounded dollops of dough into the liquid, spacing them to prevent merging.
5. Cover the pot immediately with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam and facilitate even cooking.
6. Allow dumplings to steam and poach for 12-14 minutes, maintaining a consistent low simmer.
7. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a dumpling – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Lift dumplings gently with a slotted spoon, allowing excess liquid to drain before transferring to serving dishes.
9. Serve piping hot, nestled directly in the soup or stew, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Customize the dough consistency by adjusting milk quantity for lighter or denser dumplings.
• Prevent dumplings from sticking together by dropping them gently and leaving space between each one.
• Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same fluffy texture.
• Enhance flavor by adding herbs like parsley, chives, or dried thyme directly into the dumpling batter for extra depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 214 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 477 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg