Why You’ll Love Mom’s Simple Dumplings Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy and reliable. The dumplings come out light and tender every time, with no complicated steps or fancy ingredients. They’re perfect for cozy dinners and bring back that homemade, nostalgic feeling I always crave when I cook comfort food.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons shortening or butter
¾ cup milk

Directions

I start by whisking the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl.

I cut the shortening or butter into the dry ingredients using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.

I pour in the milk and gently stir just until the dough is moistened. I make sure not to overmix, even though the dough looks a little lumpy.

Using a large spoon, I drop spoonfuls of dough directly onto a gently simmering stew. I let the dumplings sit on top of the vegetables and meat, even if some of the dough peeks above the liquid.

I cook the dumplings uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover the pot and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until they’re fluffy and cooked through.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 dumplings and serves 6 people.
I usually need about 10 minutes to prepare the dough and 20 minutes to cook the dumplings, making the total time around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add chopped fresh herbs or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor. When I want richer dumplings, I use butter instead of shortening. I’ve also added a little grated cheese for a heartier version.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover dumplings in the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm them on the stove over low heat so they stay soft and don’t fall apart.

FAQs

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, I often use butter for a richer flavor.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the dough?

Overmixing makes the dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy.

Can I make these dumplings gluten-free?

I can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Do the dumplings need to be fully submerged?

No, I let them sit on top of the stew so they steam and cook properly.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

They should be puffed up and no longer doughy in the center.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I double it easily when feeding a crowd.

Can I cook these in soup instead of stew?

Yes, they work well in thicker soups that can support the dough.

Why do I need to cover the pot halfway through?

Covering traps steam, which helps the dumplings cook through and stay fluffy.

Can I add seasoning to the dough?

Yes, I sometimes add pepper, herbs, or spices for extra flavor.

What dishes pair best with these dumplings?

I love them with chicken stew, beef stew, or vegetable stew.

Conclusion

I love these Mom’s Simple Dumplings because they turn any pot of stew into pure comfort food. Soft, fluffy, and incredibly easy to make, they’re a recipe I trust every time I want something warm, homemade, and deeply satisfying.