Looking for a simple and delicious recipe that will warm you up on a cold day? Drop dumplings are the answer! These light, fluffy morsels of dough are the perfect addition to soups, stews, and casseroles, turning a basic dish into a hearty meal. If you’re a fan of chicken and dumplings or you just want a quick comfort food recipe, this one is for you. Read on to learn how to make perfect drop dumplings, along with all the tips and variations to customize it to your liking.

What Are Drop Dumplings?
Drop dumplings are soft dough balls made from simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Unlike rolled dumplings, which require you to flatten and cut the dough, drop dumplings are made by simply spooning the dough directly into simmering liquid, such as broth or stew. As the dumplings cook, they puff up and become tender and fluffy. They absorb some of the liquid they're cooked in, making them flavorful and delicious.
Ingredients List for Drop Dumplings
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of traditional drop dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough, providing structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is what gives the dumplings their signature fluffiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – For seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons cold butter – Adds richness and a tender texture to the dumplings.
- ¾ cup milk – Helps bind the ingredients and provides moisture.
- Fresh herbs (optional) – Parsley, thyme, or chives can be added for extra flavor.
These simple ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making drop dumplings a quick and easy addition to many meals.
Ingredients List for the Broth or Stew Base
While the dumplings themselves are important, the broth or stew you cook them in is equally crucial for a flavorful dish. Here's a basic list of ingredients you can use for the base:
- 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option) – The liquid in which the dumplings cook.
- 2 cups of shredded chicken or beef (optional) – Adds protein to make the meal heartier.
- 2 cups of diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, etc.) – For additional texture and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary – Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
Feel free to use this as a starting point and adjust based on what you have on hand or what you're craving!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about drop dumplings is how versatile they are. You can make several substitutions or add variations to suit your dietary preferences or tastes.
- Gluten-Free Drop Dumplings: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
- Vegan Drop Dumplings: Use plant-based butter and replace the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.
- Herb Dumplings: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the dough for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Dumplings: Stir in ½ cup of grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the dough before cooking for a cheesy, indulgent twist.
These variations can breathe new life into the basic recipe, making it customizable for any occasion or dietary need.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Drop Dumplings

Now that you have your ingredients and variations ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow these steps to make perfectly fluffy and delicious drop dumplings.
- Prepare the Broth or Stew: Start by simmering your broth or stew base in a large pot over medium heat. If you're adding vegetables and protein, cook them in the broth until they're tender. Make sure the liquid is hot and at a gentle simmer before adding the dumplings.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using herbs, stir them into the dry ingredients at this stage.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and gently stir the mixture just until combined. The dough should be thick but sticky, with no dry patches of flour remaining. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dumplings tough.
- Drop the Dumplings into the Broth: Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough directly into the simmering broth. The dumplings will expand as they cook, so leave enough space between them.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 10-15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time! The steam is essential for the dumplings to cook through and become light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: After 10-15 minutes, remove the lid and check the dumplings. They should have puffed up and be firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick or fork into a dumpling—if it comes out clean, they’re done!
How to Cook Drop Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking drop dumplings can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a simple process once you get the hang of it. Here's a quick guide to making perfect drop dumplings every time:
- Make the Dough: Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt, then cut in the butter. Once combined, add the milk and gently stir until you have a sticky dough.
- Simmer the Broth: Ensure that your broth or stew is at a low simmer, not a rapid boil. The dumplings need gentle heat to cook properly.
- Drop the Dough into the Broth: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the simmering broth. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cover the Pot: Place a lid on the pot and let the dumplings steam for 10-15 minutes without disturbing them. The steam is what helps them puff up and cook through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked, serve them immediately while they’re still fluffy and warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While drop dumplings are relatively easy to make, a few common mistakes can lead to tough or undercooked dumplings. Here's how to avoid them:
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined. Overworking it will make the dumplings dense and tough.
- Boiling Instead of Simmering: Make sure your broth is at a gentle simmer. Boiling the liquid too vigorously can cause the dumplings to fall apart.
- Lifting the Lid Too Early: Resist the urge to check on the dumplings before 10 minutes have passed. Lifting the lid lets the steam escape, which is necessary for cooking the dumplings evenly.
- Crowding the Pot: Give the dumplings space to expand. If they’re too close together, they may not cook through properly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Drop dumplings are a rustic and homey dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t present them beautifully! Here are a few tips to elevate the presentation of your dish:
How to Serve Drop Dumplings
- In Soup or Stew: Ladle the stew or soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a generous portion of both broth and dumplings.
- As a Side Dish: Serve the dumplings alongside roasted meats or vegetables for a cozy, comforting meal.
- With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Drop Dumplings
- Use a Large Serving Bowl: Present the dumplings and broth in a large, shallow bowl for a family-style meal.
- Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs over the top adds a touch of elegance.
- Serve in Vintage Bowls: For a rustic look, serve the dumplings in vintage or earthenware bowls that complement the comfort food vibe.
Drop Dumpling Recipe Tips
- Make in Advance: You can prepare the dumpling dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just drop the cold dough into the simmering broth when ready to cook.
- Test for Doneness: Always check that the center of the dumplings is fully cooked. If they're underdone, give them a few more minutes with the lid on.
- Fluff Them Up: For extra fluffy dumplings, make sure the baking powder is fresh and your dough isn’t overmixed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze drop dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked dough or cooked dumplings. Freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Cook from frozen by dropping them directly into simmering broth.
2. How do I reheat drop dumplings?
Reheat dumplings in the broth on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little extra broth if needed to prevent them from drying out.
3. Why are my dumplings tough?
Tough dumplings are usually the result of overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Be gentle when mixing, and don’t overwork the dough.
4. Can I make drop dumplings without baking powder?
Baking powder is essential for fluffy dumplings, but you can substitute it with a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar in a pinch.
5. Can I cook drop dumplings in the oven?
Drop dumplings are best cooked in simmering liquid on the stovetop. Cooking them in the oven may result in a dry texture.
Conclusion
Drop dumplings are an easy, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with soups and stews. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of fluffy, tender dumplings that will make any meal feel special. Whether you're making classic chicken and dumplings or experimenting with vegan or gluten-free variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out today and enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food!
PrintDrop Dumplings Recipe
This easy drop dumplings recipe is perfect for soups and stews, made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, and milk. These light, fluffy dumplings are a quick addition to your meal, offering delicious comfort food with minimal effort. Great for savory broths or hearty dishes, they come together in minutes and cook directly in your soup or stew for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in the milk and melted butter until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough into simmering soup or stew.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- Serve immediately with your soup or stew.
Notes
- For lighter dumplings, avoid over-mixing the dough.
- Use a tablespoon to drop the dough for even-sized dumplings.
- These dumplings work best in brothy or stew-based dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450 mg
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