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

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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

    Why are my drop dumplings not fluffy? ›

    Do not overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough and chewy dumplings. Stir the Bisquick mix and milk just until the ingredients come together and form a soft dough [2].

    How do you know when drop dumplings are done? ›

    A simple peek will tell you if your dumplings are ready to enjoy. The indicator that these treats are ready is the golden-brown crisp at the bottom of the dumpling. Gently use a spatula to lift the dumpling and check the underside to reveal if they're ready.

    How do you keep drop dumplings from falling apart? ›

    The steam that builds up by covering the pot is what cooks the dumplings. Don't boil or stir the dumplings. Vigorous boiling and stirring will cause the dumplings to fall apart.

    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.

    Why did my dumplings come out doughy? ›

    Don't Overwork the Dumpling Dough

    Stir everything together until the wet and dry ingredients are combined and you don't see any more dry flour. The dough might look a little lumpy, but that's okay! Overworking the dough is one of the easiest ways to end up with tough dumplings.

    Are dumplings done when they float to the top? ›

    Cover and bring to a vigorous boil. Add roughly one cup of cold water and return to boil while covered. Repeat this step again. The dumplings will be completely cooked and ready when they float on the surface of the boiling water.

    Do you cook dumplings with the lid on or off? ›

    If you keep the lid on, the dumplings will end up entirely steamed, so they'll be softer and slightly wetter. If you leave the lid off, they'll crisp up more on top, and be slightly drier. I like to do a bit of both, so I'll usually leave the lid on for the first 10 minutes or so, then take it off for another 10.

    Can you overcook homemade dumplings? ›

    Yes, dumplings that are overcooked will begin to fall apart and disintegrate into the soup, so try to stick to the cooking time. I always use a timer.

    How do you make dumplings without falling apart? ›

    Keep the pot at a gentle simmer when cooking the dumplings. An aggressive simmer or boiling will break them apart. Keep the heat low and cover the pot so that they steam. The dumplings can cook longer than the suggested times without issues, but agitating them with an aggressive simmer will make them fall apart.

    How do you keep homemade dumplings from sticking together? ›

    Allow enough space between dumplings for steam to get through and so that they do not stick together when cooking. Ensure you have enough water in your wok (or pot) so that it doesn't burn the base. If using a wok ideally the water should be close to the base of the steamer, but not as high as where the food sits.

    Why do my dumplings come out dry? ›

    Cover up. As you fold your dumplings, keep them covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel. This prevents the dumplings from drying out (dry skins can split when cooked). Making fresh dumpling wrappers isn't hard when you have Hetty McKinnon to guide you.

    What kind of flour is used 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 I use unbleached flour for dumplings? ›

    Note: Bread flour with a moderate amount of gluten, such as widely available Gold Medal, works best to yield tender, yet slightly chewy dough. Unbleached flour produces terrific flavor, but bleached flour imparts a brighter finish that some Asian cooks like.

    Why are my drop dumplings dense? ›

    Overworking the mixture, thus having heavy dumplings is a common mistake people make. Dumplings need very gentle handling, so mix only until the ingredients are just combined, and if your recipe involves rolling them out with extra flour, avoid using too much.

    What happens if dumplings are too wet? ›

    Make sure your filling is not too wet, as excessive moisture will increase the chance of the wrapper breaking. Remove as much liquid from vegetables as possible before adding to the mix.

    Do you cook dumplings with the lid on or the lid off? ›

    It's best to have your lid ready: Immediately add about 3 tablespoons of water to the pan, just enough to cover the base of the dumplings, then cover and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the water has evaporated. Lift the lid and allow the dumpling to cook for another 30 seconds, to allow the bottoms to get extra crispy.

    Are dumplings supposed to be dense? ›

    It's a delicate balancing act: if the dough is over-worked, the dumplings will be dense and chewy; if it's not worked enough, they'll be insubstantial and won't hold together. To prepare the chicken and broth, place all ingredients in a large Dutch oven or stock pot.

    What happens if you overcook dumplings? ›

    Perfectly plumped and juicy. Juicy. Now, if you overcook your soup dumplings like this, then your dumplings will be looking like a cone shaped top hat thing. with no soup and looking super flat and sad.

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