The Best Homemade Dumplings Recipe: seasoned to perfection

When I think of a comforting food, in my mind nothing can hardly top a bowl of homemade soup with dumplings. Just writing about it makes my mouth water. I recently found a really tasty recipe from All Recipes that inspired my own version of the best homemade dumplings. You can find the original recipe that inspired mine, here.
This recipe makes light and fluffy dumplings that are well seasoned for a full flavor experience.

Do you love a good dumpling? Why, you couldn’t have found a better recipe than right here.

These homemade dumplings are easy and delightful to make.

This dish is definitely a family pleaser, and with just 6 pantry staple ingredients you’ll easily get to know this recipe like the back of your hand.

The Best Homemade Dumplings Recipe: seasoned to perfection

What is a dumpling anyway?

A dumpling is a little lump of dough that can basically be prepared anyway you prefer, whether that be baked, boiled, fried or steamed. There are many ways to prepare dumplings, across all different types of cuisines. Many varieties are stuffed with anything’s from cabbage and pork to cream or cheese.

I love any type of dumpling, but for this southern girl, my go to homemade dumplings are these boiled drop dumplings.

To prepare them, mix all ingredients together and start dropping spoonfuls of dough into a pot of boiling soup or savory stew. You don’t have to worry much about adding a thickener to the broth as the starch in the dumplings naturally help thicken your soup or stew to a creamy and comforting consistency.

Ingredients for the best homemade dumplings

This homemade dumplin recipe requires only 6 ingredients likely already present in your home pantry.

Flour – all purpose flour is the base ingredient for these dumplings.

Baking powder – being a leaving agent, baking powder releases a gas which causes the dough to expand (so cool right?) it is what causes the dumplings to take on a light and fluffy nature.

Sugar – A spoonful of sugar…(okay I couldn’t help myself, It’s challenging to forget that tune of Mary poppins)

The small amount of sugar in this recipe adds just the right hint of sweetness, and helps to slow gluten development for tender dumplings. Sugar also helps the dumpling to retain moisture through the cooking process, who doesn’t love that melt in your mouth effect? I know I do 🙋🏼‍♀️

Salt – A bit of salt not only seasons the dumplings but enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

(What about that, somebody with the talent of bringing others together 😋)

Butter – Cold, good ol wholesome butter, cut into the flour mixture helps bind the dry ingredients together while keeping the dumplings light and tender.

Whole milk – Whole milk helps to create a moist and smooth dough for the best homemade dumplings.

Tips on making dumplings

For a finer consistency, sift flour before combining with other dry ingredients.
To make herbed dumplings add 2 teaspoons of parsley or herb of your choice.

How to tell when your dumplings are done ☑️

How to tell when your dumplings a done cooking – To make sure your dumplings are done to perfection you will pierce one or two with a fork or toothpick. If the fork or toothpick comes out clean, you dumplings are finished cooking.

To store your dumplings

Store your leftover cooked dumplings or dumplings in soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two or three days. Reheat on the stovetop at low – to medium heat until warmed through.

For rehearing in the microwave, heat at 10 -15 second intervals until desired temperature.

How to Freeze these dumplings

Can I freeze the dumplings to cook later?

Yes, you can freeze dumpling dough For quick and easy cooking at a later date.

Just drop dough by spoonfuls onto baking sheet and flash freeze for three to four hours, and up to overnight. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a airtight freezer safe container or freezer bag.

Be sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze dumpling dough for up to three months.

Cooking Frozen Dumplings

Just before you are ready to cook the dumplings, let them thaw for around 30 minutes and then drop them directly into your boiling soup or stew. Cook dumplings until a fork or toothpick will come out clean.