Fluffy Drop Dumplings Recipe: Comfort Food Magic in Minutes

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort, and this hearty drop dumplings recipe brings pure warmth to any table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these tender, cloud-like morsels floating in rich, savory broth.

Soft and pillowy dough drops nestle perfectly into a creamy chicken base, creating a nostalgic dish that speaks directly to the soul.

Buttery, seasoned flour transforms into delicate clusters that melt in your mouth with each spoonful.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Rustic and unpretentious, these dumplings carry the essence of classic Southern cooking.

FAQs

• What consistency should the dumpling batter have?

The batter should be slightly thick but still soft and sticky, similar to a soft drop cookie dough that easily falls off a spoon.

• Can I make the dumpling batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate it, but mix briefly before dropping into the liquid to prevent separation.

• Why shouldn't I overmix the dumpling batter?

Overmixing develops gluten, which makes dumplings tough and dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.

• How do I know the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings will look puffy, have a dry surface, and feel firm when gently pressed. They typically take 10-15 minutes to cook completely in simmering liquid.

Drop Dumplings: Classic Comfort, One Spoonful At A Time

• Boost Comfort Food: Transforms ordinary soups and stews into hearty, satisfying meals with fluffy, tender dumplings that melt in your mouth.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious, no-fuss addition to their meal.
• Create Versatile Dish: Adaptable to multiple cuisines and flavor profiles, these drop dumplings can elevate chicken, beef, or vegetable-based dishes with their simple yet delectable texture.
• Embrace Family Tradition: Brings a classic, homestyle touch to family dinners, evoking memories of grandma's cooking and creating warm, nostalgic moments around the table.

What You Need To Make Dumplings

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

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the dumpling batter.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and a subtle, delicious flavor to the dumplings.

• Herbs, Pepper: Can be added to customize the flavor of the dumplings and complement the soup or stew.

Fluffy Dumplings In Just A Few Steps

Step 1: Prepare Dry Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re perfectly blended.

The dry ingredients should look smooth and consistent, with no lumpy sections.

Step 2: Create Wet Blend

In a separate bowl, crack open an egg and beat it gently.

Pour in milk and melted butter, stirring everything until the liquid becomes a harmonious mixture with a silky texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Stir carefully and gently, mixing just until everything comes together.

Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks uniform – overmixing will make your dumplings tough and dense.

Step 4: Drop Dumplings into Liquid

When your soup or stew is simmering softly, use a spoon to carefully drop small portions of batter directly into the hot liquid.

Space the dumplings evenly so they have room to expand and cook properly.

Step 5: Simmer and Steam

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.

Do not peek or lift the lid during cooking – this helps the dumplings steam and become fluffy.

The dumplings are ready when they look puffy and feel firm when gently touched.

Dumpling Tips For The Perfect Batch

• Stir the batter gently and briefly to keep dumplings light and fluffy, stopping as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Select a flavorful soup or stew with enough liquid to help dumplings steam and cook evenly.
• Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil, to ensure even cooking and tender dumplings.
• Leave the lid undisturbed during cooking to trap steam and help dumplings rise properly.
• Check dumplings are cooked by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when they're fully done.

New Takes On Old-Fashioned Dumplings

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a mix of almond flour and rice flour for a celiac-friendly option that maintains a light, fluffy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free dumpling.
• Herb-Infused Dumplings: Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the dry ingredients for an aromatic and flavorful variation that enhances the overall dish.
• Whole Wheat Healthy Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase fiber content and add a nutty, wholesome flavor to the dumplings.

Spoon Up Comfort – Serving Ideas

• Hearty Soup Companion: Ladle these fluffy dumplings into a rich beef or chicken stew for a comforting one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Rustic Vegetable Pairing: Serve alongside a colorful vegetable soup, letting the dumplings soak up the savory broth and add a delightful texture contrast.
• Herb-Infused Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top of the cooked dumplings for a burst of color and extra flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Family-Style Serving: Place the pot directly on the table and let everyone scoop their own dumplings, creating a cozy, interactive dining experience that brings everyone together.

Keeping Dumplings Light, Even Later

• Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dumplings separate from the soup or stew to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled dumplings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Gently warm dumplings in a pot with a splash of broth or water. Cover and heat on low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reheat dumplings in short 15-20 second bursts, adding a tablespoon of broth to maintain moisture. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.

Drop Dumplings Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Southern drop dumplings float like clouds in rich chicken broth, bringing hearty countryside flavors to your kitchen. Home cooks savor this classic dish that wraps you in warm, nostalgic memories of grandmother’s cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend dry pantry staples in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring uniform distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
2. Whisk egg in a separate container, then incorporate dairy liquid and liquefied butter, creating a smooth emulsified mixture.
3. Gently fold wet ingredients into flour mixture, stirring minimally to prevent tough texture – slight lumps are acceptable.
4. Position pot with simmering liquid at medium-low heat, maintaining gentle bubbling without aggressive boiling.
5. Using tablespoon or small scoop, delicately release batter portions directly into hot liquid, spacing dumplings to prevent merging.
6. Secure tight-fitting lid over cooking vessel, trapping steam and heat to facilitate even dumpling development.
7. Allow dumplings to steam undisturbed for 12-15 minutes at consistent temperature, resisting urge to peek or stir.
8. Verify doneness by inserting thin knife or toothpick – it should emerge clean and dumplings should appear puffy and softened.
9. Remove lid, let dumplings rest momentarily to absorb surrounding flavors before serving within accompanying soup or stew.

Notes

• Prevent overmixing the batter to keep dumplings light and fluffy, as stirring too much can develop gluten and create dense, tough results.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to the batter for extra flavor and a burst of color in your dish.
• Create a richer dumpling by substituting some milk with buttermilk, which adds tanginess and helps produce a more tender texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 115 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg