When you think of comfort food, Drop Dumplings often come to mind. These soft, pillowy dumplings are easy to make and the perfect addition to soups, stews, or even fruit cobblers. They’re called "drop" dumplings because the dough is simply dropped by spoonfuls into simmering broth or gravy, where they cook to fluffy perfection. Whether you’re craving a warm, cozy bowl of chicken and dumplings or a hearty beef stew, this recipe will teach you how to make classic Drop Dumplings in no time.
What Are Drop Dumplings?
Drop Dumplings are small, doughy dumplings made by mixing a simple batter and then dropping spoonfuls of it into simmering liquid, such as broth or gravy. As they cook, they puff up, becoming light and fluffy inside while soaking up the surrounding flavors. Unlike rolled or biscuit-style dumplings, which are made from a more structured dough, drop dumplings are more rustic and easier to prepare. They add a wonderful texture to savory dishes like soups and stews, and can even be made sweet for desserts.
Ingredients List for Drop Dumplings
The beauty of Drop Dumplings is that they’re made from basic pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon, to make the dumplings rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, for flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup, for moisture and a tender crumb.
- Butter or Shortening: 2 tablespoons, melted. Butter adds flavor, while shortening can give a lighter texture.
- Optional Seasonings: If you’re making savory dumplings, you can add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill for extra flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Drop Dumplings are incredibly versatile. You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Buttermilk Dumplings: For a richer flavor and fluffier texture, replace regular milk with buttermilk. The acidity in buttermilk makes the dumplings even more tender.
- Herb Dumplings: For savory dishes, add dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the dough. Freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of garlic powder can also enhance the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Dumplings: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to maintain structure.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) into the dough for a cheesy twist, perfect for chicken and vegetable soups.
- Sweet Dumplings: For dessert dumplings, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the dough, and serve them over stewed fruit or cobbler.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Drop Dumplings is incredibly simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have fluffy dumplings ready in no time!
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re adding herbs or seasonings, stir them in now.
- In a separate bowl, combine the milk and melted butter (or shortening).
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough—it should be thick and a bit sticky.
- Simmer Your Broth or Stew:
- Bring your soup, stew, or broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. If you’re making chicken and dumplings, for example, have your chicken broth and vegetables simmering on the stove before dropping in the dumplings.
- Ensure the liquid is hot enough for the dumplings to cook but not boiling too vigorously, as boiling can break the dumplings apart.
- Drop the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering liquid. Make sure to leave a little space between each dumpling, as they will expand while cooking.
- The size of your dumplings is up to you, but a heaping tablespoon of dough works well for medium-sized dumplings.
- Cover and Cook:
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook the dumplings for 10-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as the steam is essential for them to rise and become fluffy.
- After about 10 minutes, check to see if the dumplings are done. They should be puffed up and no longer doughy inside. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into one of the dumplings—it should come out clean.
- Serve:
- Once the dumplings are fully cooked, gently stir the stew or broth to coat the dumplings in the surrounding liquid. Serve immediately while the dumplings are warm and fluffy.
How to Cook Drop Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick reference guide for cooking Drop Dumplings:
- Make the dough by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and wet ingredients.
- Simmer the liquid: Keep your broth or stew at a gentle simmer.
- Drop the dough: Use a spoon to drop dough into the simmering liquid.
- Cover and cook: Steam for 10-15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Serve hot: Stir the dumplings into the stew and enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Drop Dumplings are easy to make, but here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results:
- Overmixing the Dough: Stir the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough dumplings.
- Boiling Instead of Simmering: Boiling the liquid too vigorously can break apart the dumplings or cause them to cook unevenly. Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer for the best results.
- Lifting the Lid Too Soon: Resist the temptation to check on the dumplings by lifting the lid early. The steam trapped inside is necessary for the dumplings to puff up properly.
- Making Dumplings Too Large: Larger dumplings take longer to cook and can remain doughy in the center. Keep them around tablespoon-sized for even cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Drop Dumplings are perfect for pairing with hearty, comforting dishes. Here are a few ways to serve and present them:
- How to Serve Drop Dumplings:
- Chicken and Dumplings: Serve the dumplings in a creamy chicken stew or broth with shredded chicken and vegetables like carrots and celery.
- Beef Stew: Drop dumplings make a wonderful topping for a rich beef stew. Let them soak up the savory gravy for a filling meal.
- Vegetarian Soups: Dumplings pair well with vegetable-based soups like creamy mushroom soup or tomato soup.
- Presentation Ideas for Drop Dumplings:
- Rustic Serving: Ladle the stew and dumplings into wide bowls for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- Family-Style: Serve the dumplings family-style in a large pot in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to dig in.
- Dessert Dumplings: For sweet dumplings, serve them over stewed fruit or cobbler, then drizzle with cream or vanilla sauce.
Drop Dumplings Recipe Tips
- Fluffy Dumplings: The key to light and fluffy dumplings is using a generous amount of baking powder and steaming them by covering the pot while they cook.
- Additions to the Dough: You can customize the dough by adding herbs, spices, or cheese for savory dumplings. For dessert, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Storage: Leftover dumplings can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the stew or broth over low heat to avoid drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make drop dumplings without milk?
- Yes, you can use water, broth, or plant-based milk like almond milk as a substitute for dairy milk.
- How do I keep my dumplings from becoming dense?
- Avoid overmixing the dough. Stir just until combined to prevent the dumplings from becoming dense and heavy.
- Can I freeze drop dumplings?
- Drop dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked dumplings along with the soup or stew they’re in. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat.
- What’s the difference between drop dumplings and rolled dumplings?
- Drop dumplings are made with a loose, spoonable batter that’s dropped into simmering liquid, while rolled dumplings are made from a firmer dough that’s rolled out and cut into shapes before cooking.
- Why did my dumplings turn out tough?
- Tough dumplings usually result from overmixing the dough or overcooking them. Be gentle when mixing, and keep an eye on the cooking time.
Conclusion
Drop Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Their fluffy texture and ease of preparation make them a versatile addition to soups, stews, or even desserts. With just a few pantry staples and simple techniques, you can whip up a batch of these delicious
dumplings in no time. Follow the tips, avoid common mistakes, and customize them with your favorite herbs or spices for a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Ready to enjoy a warm bowl of dumplings? Grab your ingredients and start cooking today!
PrintDrop Dumplings Recipe
This Drop Dumplings recipe makes fluffy, tender dumplings that are ideal for adding to soups, stews, or even serving with gravy. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these dumplings are quick to prepare and cook right in the broth, absorbing delicious flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, and egg (if using), stirring until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into simmering broth or stew, making sure they don’t touch.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-15 minutes until they are puffed and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite soup or stew.
Notes
- Don’t lift the lid while the dumplings cook, as steam is necessary for them to rise.
- For herb dumplings, add fresh chopped parsley or thyme to the dough.
- Adjust seasoning to taste if using salted broth or soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
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