Name: Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon white sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon butter or margarine (cold); ½ cup milk

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These homemade dumplings are soft, fluffy, and impossibly easy to whip up. I use just a few pantry staples to create a cozy, tender dough that’s perfect for simmering in soups and stews. They float beautifully, soak up flavor, and add a comforting bite to any dish. I learned this method from the way my mom used to cook—simple, real, and always delicious.

Homemade Fluffy Dumplings Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dumpling recipe because it only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no rolling, no complicated folding—just mix, scoop, and drop the dough into a hot broth. The result is light, airy dumplings with a tender bite and buttery richness. They also help thicken the stew, making everything richer and more filling. It’s a comforting throwback to home-cooked meals that never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
½ cup milk

Directions

I start by gathering all my ingredients and measuring them out.
In a medium bowl, I stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
I cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture turns crumbly.
Then, I stir in the milk and mix just until a thick batter forms. I let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes while my soup or stew comes to a gentle boil.
Using a spoon, I drop the dough directly into the boiling broth. I cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes—without lifting the lid.
Once done, I serve them hot, floating right in the flavorful stew.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 dumplings (approximately 6 people)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Parsley Dumplings: I like adding 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes to the dry mix for an herby touch.
Cheesy Dumplings: Sometimes, I mix in a couple of tablespoons of shredded cheddar or Parmesan before adding milk.
Garlic Butter Dumplings: I swap regular butter for garlic-infused butter for a deeper flavor.
Whole Wheat Version: I’ve used half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose for a slightly nutty variation.
Spiced Dumplings: A pinch of dried thyme or paprika can add a subtle twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover dumplings (with stew or soup) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I do it gently on the stove over low heat or in short 10-second bursts in the microwave to avoid overcooking them.

If I want to freeze the raw dumpling dough, I drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about 3 months. When ready to cook, I let them thaw for 30 minutes, then drop into simmering broth as usual.

FAQs

What kind of soup or stew works best with these dumplings?

I usually add them to chicken soup, vegetable stew, or anything brothy. They pair perfectly with dishes that have a bit of simmer time left.

Can I make these dumplings dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used plant-based butter and almond milk with success. The texture is slightly different but still delicious.

Why didn’t my dumplings rise?

That usually happens if the baking powder is expired or if I overmixed the dough. I make sure to mix gently and check that my baking powder is fresh.

Do I need to cover the pot while the dumplings cook?

Yes, I always keep the lid on for the full 15 minutes. Lifting it releases steam and can make the dumplings dense instead of fluffy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

The batter is best used fresh, but I’ve frozen spoonfuls for later cooking. If prepping early, I keep it chilled and use it within a few hours.

Conclusion

This simple dumpling recipe brings comfort to any meal. I love how quickly I can turn basic ingredients into something warm and satisfying. Whether I drop them into a bubbling chicken stew or a hearty vegetable broth, these dumplings always feel like home. They’re proof that a few humble ingredients can make something truly memorable.