Homemade Dumplings

Have a hankering for light, fluffy, tender dumplings just like your mom used to make? You've come to the right place. These homemade dumplings are easy to make with just six pantry staples – and they're even easier to eat. With this top-rated recipe, you'll make perfect dumplings every time.

What Are Dumplings?

A dumpling is a small mass of dough that can be boiled, fried, baked, or steamed. There are a ton of dumpling varieties out there, from pork- and cabbage-filled Chinese dumplings to cheesy Polish dumplings.

These boiled drop dumplings, which are popular in the U.S., are often paired with chicken and broth to create a popular comfort food called chicken and dumplings.

They're prepared by dropping spoonfuls of dough into a pot of boiling soup or stew. The starch in the dumplings thickens the broth, resulting in a rich stew that's impossible to resist.

Dumpling Ingredients

This recipe is made with just six ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Flour
These dumplings start with all-purpose flour, which creates structure and holds the other ingredients together.

Baking Powder
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.

White Sugar
A teaspoon of sugar adds an extremely subtle hint of sweetness. It also helps the dumplings retain their moisture through the cooking process and slows gluten development, which ensures tender dumplings.

Salt
A pinch of salt seasons the dumplings and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Butter or Margarine
Cold butter or margarine is cut into the flour mixture to bind the dry ingredients together. It also keeps the dumplings light and tender.

Milk
Whole milk helps create a smooth, moist dough.

How to Tell When Dumplings Are Done

To make sure a dumpling is done cooking, pierce it with a fork or toothpick. You'll know it's done when the fork or toothpick comes out clean.

How to Store Dumplings

You can store leftover cooked dumplings or dumpling soup in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in 10-second intervals in the microwave.

How to Freeze Dumplings

Some people like to freeze dumpling dough for quick and easy cooking.

It couldn't be easier: Just drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, flash freeze for at least three hours or up to overnight, then transfer the now-frozen dough to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date and freeze for about three months.

When it's time to use them, let the dumplings thaw for about 30 minutes and then drop them directly into the soup or stew.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I have made the same old dumplings for years," says LIZ1888. "I came upon this recipe and tried it. These were great! I made them for chicken and dumplings. They also thickened the sauce as they cooked."

"The dumplings came out so light and fluffy and flavorful," according to ALISON K. "I was searching for a dumpling recipe made from scratch instead of a mix and was so happy to find this one."

"I topped a vegetable stew with these dumplings on a chilly autumn evening in Wisconsin," says Pam Westfall "Oh yum! Truly delicious. The perfect comfort food!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams