Yeast Dumplings Recipe

Yeast Dumplings Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. The original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings.

  • cup butter
  • cup milk
  • 1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
  • cup water
  • 3 eggs
  • cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (32 ounce) carton chicken broth

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

  1. Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the butter melts, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
  2. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  4. Gradually stir in the flour, alternating with the milk and yeast mixtures. Mix until the dough begins to form into a ball.
  5. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rest for about 20 minutes.
  6. In the meantime, pour the chicken broth into a large pot. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  7. Sprinkle flour over a clean board or countertop. Turn the dough out onto the board and knead lightly for about 3 minutes, until smooth and satiny. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  8. Roll the dough out to about inch thick. Use a butter knife to cut the dough into 2-inch wide strips.
  9. Place the dough strips into the boiling broth. The dumplings will initially sink to the bottom but will rise to the surface when cooked, about 10 minutes.
  10. Remove the dumplings from the broth using a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 598
Total Fat 19g
Saturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 128mg
Sodium 1253mg
Total Carbohydrate 91g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 19g
Protein 15g
Calcium 55mg
Iron 5mg
Potassium 189mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is based on available data for all ingredients.

Yeast Dumplings are an old-fashioned comfort food that has been cherished by generations. The hearty texture and the subtle sweetness make them a perfect match for rich broths, particularly in dishes like chicken and dumplings. These dumplings stand out for their use of yeast, which gives them a dense and chewy consistency, as opposed to the light and fluffy texture often associated with traditional dumplings.

History and Origin

Yeast dumplings have their roots in European culinary traditions, particularly in the Central and Eastern European regions. They are often associated with hearty, rustic meals meant to provide nourishment and warmth, especially in colder climates. The practice of using yeast in dumplings likely dates back to the Middle Ages when baking techniques began to evolve. Yeast-based doughs allowed for the creation of more filling, substantial dumplings, which were ideal for serving alongside meats and broths. Over time, these dumplings became a staple in home kitchens, passed down through generations as part of family recipes.

Regional Features

While yeast dumplings can be found in various forms across Europe, each region has its unique way of preparing them. In Germany, for instance, yeast dumplings (known as Germkndel) are often served with sweet fillings like plum jam and are topped with melted butter and powdered sugar. In Eastern Europe, yeast dumplings are frequently paired with savory stews or used as an accompaniment to roasted meats. The versatility of yeast dumplings makes them a beloved dish across many cultures, each adding its own twist to the classic recipe.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Yeast dumplings differ from other types of dumplings, such as those made with baking powder or potatoes, in several ways. The inclusion of yeast in the dough results in a denser, chewier texture, which contrasts with the lighter, airier consistency of baking powder-based dumplings. Additionally, yeast dumplings often have a subtle sweetness due to the sugar added to the dough, which is not typically found in other dumpling varieties. This sweetness complements the savory flavors of broths and stews, making yeast dumplings particularly popular in dishes like chicken and dumplings.

Where They Are Served

Yeast dumplings are most commonly served in home-cooked meals, especially in colder seasons. They are a staple in comfort foods, often found in dishes like chicken and dumplings or beef stew, where they are boiled in rich broths. These dumplings are also a favorite in festive meals, especially in Central European countries, where they are served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or with sweet fillings as a dessert. In Germany, for example, yeast dumplings are sometimes served as a part of holiday feasts, particularly around Christmas.

Interesting Facts

  • In some regions of Germany and Austria, yeast dumplings are traditionally served with a rich sauce made from poppy seeds and melted butter.
  • Yeast dumplings are often paired with hearty soups and stews because their dense texture soaks up the flavors of the broth, making them even more delicious.
  • Historically, yeast dumplings were a popular dish among the working class due to their ability to feed many people at a low cost. They are filling, easy to make, and provide a great source of energy.
  • While they are often served as savory dishes, yeast dumplings can also be prepared sweet, with fillings like fruit preserves or sweet cream cheese.

Conclusion

Yeast dumplings represent a rich culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether served in savory stews or as a sweet treat, their dense, chewy texture and subtle sweetness make them a unique and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you're making them as a side dish for a family dinner or experimenting with different fillings, yeast dumplings remain a timeless comfort food that brings warmth to the table.

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FAQ about Yeast Dumplings Recipe

Yes, you can freeze the dumplings. After they are cooked and drained, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. For best results, consume within 2-3 months.

Cooked dumplings can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

To reheat leftover dumplings, you can gently heat them in the microwave or place them in a pot with some broth to warm them up. Be sure to cover them with a lid to keep them from drying out.

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or any other type of broth of your choice. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed, especially if using a broth with a different flavor profile.

If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until it becomes smooth and manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it could affect the texture of the dumplings.

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing the dough, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking the dumplings.

Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet dumpling. Some people even omit the sugar altogether, especially if they are serving the dumplings in savory dishes like chicken soup.

To make the dumplings fluffier, ensure that you allow the dough to rise properly before cooking. You can also try adding a little more yeast or letting the dough rest a little longer if it's not rising as expected.

The dumplings as written are not vegetarian due to the use of chicken broth. However, you can easily make them vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and using egg alternatives if needed.

You can make dumplings without yeast, but they will have a different texture. The yeast gives them a light, airy quality. If you prefer a non-yeast version, you can substitute baking powder for leavening, though the dumplings will be denser.

Comments

Edward Clark

05/27/2024 08:19:14 AM

This recipe was exactly what I was searching for! I can't express enough how much I dislike those thin, flat dumplings. I prefer the hearty, chubby ones, and this recipe nailed it. I followed the instructions precisely, adding the dumplings to my almost cooked chicken and soup. After cooking for about 10 minutes, they floated to the top and looked absolutely fantastic! I plan on using this recipe for chicken and dumplings every single time from now on.

Brandon Flores

03/23/2023 09:58:52 AM

These dumplings are the best I have ever made. I adjusted the sugar to only 2 tablespoons to avoid them being too sweet, and rolled the dough out to only 1/8 inch thick which resulted in the perfect size. I made sure to use plenty of broth, at least a gallon, and could have even used more. No need to search for another dumpling recipe - this is the one!

Michael Wilson

10/27/2022 12:35:50 PM

I had some extra sourdough starter that I didn't want to waste, so I decided to incorporate it into this recipe. Instead of using milk and water, I used an equal amount of the proofed starter and reduced the flour accordingly. I mixed the starter with heated butter, added a bit of flour to feed it, let it sit for about an hour, and then added the remaining ingredients (skipping the rolling-out step and just dropping it into the soup). The bread turned out delicious in our chicken soup, but next time I might reduce the amount of sugar, as my starter was already quite sweet.

Dorothy Hall

08/27/2024 09:14:08 PM

Rewritten review: I finally found the perfect dumpling recipe! I tweaked it to make it even healthier by modifying some ingredients. These dumplings turned out dense and hearty, just the way I like them. I substituted 1 egg with 1/2 cup of Egg Beaters, reduced the margarine to 2 tablespoons, and used only 1/4 cup of sugar. Giving the yeast a bit of sugar made it rise beautifully. I had to add an extra cup of flour to achieve the right consistency, likely due to my modifications, but the taste and texture were spot-on after cooking in my homemade chicken broth for 45 minutes. Thank you for sharing this recipe - I'll definitely be making it again soon!

Emma Sanchez

01/30/2024 03:24:54 PM

This recipe was way too sweet and lacking in salt. I had to discard the dumplings and start over with different proportions. Who wants a sugary dumpling with chicken stew?! I recommend using 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar for a much better balance of flavors.

Brenda Rivera

03/11/2025 10:41:17 PM

I often prepare this dish following this recipe. The only adjustment I find necessary is adding more flour at the end. I start by using my KitchenAid mixer to mix the ingredients, then switch to the dough hook once everything is combined. After the dough has set, I divide it into 4 parts to make it easier to handle and roll out. I cut the dough into noodle-sized pieces, sometimes even smaller, depending on my preference for the dish I'm making. I usually prepare a homemade chicken stock, and after preparing the noodles, I boil them in the stock to enhance their flavor. This is my favorite recipe, and I typically use it to make either chicken noodle soup or a creamy chicken and noodle dish using the remaining stock. It's a fantastic recipe!

Julie Rivera

02/07/2025 07:00:27 PM

Great experience! This dish brought back memories of my grandmothers' cooking. I opted for less sugar to reduce the sweetness, and I even tried adding it to my chicken noodle soup instead of noodles.

Elizabeth Collins

05/24/2023 07:44:41 PM

I recently tried a new recipe that was meant to be for chicken and dumplings, but it included an unexpected ingredient - sugar. I was hesitant to add it, as I had never seen sugar in a dumpling recipe before. I only added 1 teaspoon, but even that was too sweet for my taste. While my husband enjoyed the texture and claimed it was the best dumplings he had ever had, I personally felt that the sweetness was not suitable for a savory dish like chicken and dumplings. If I make this recipe again, I will surely omit the sugar entirely. In my opinion, traditional Southern dumplings do not require any sugar. Remember, don't add sugar to your chicken and dumplings!

James Taylor

03/17/2025 01:47:10 AM

I had never attempted to make dumplings before, but as a fan of baking bread with yeast, I decided to give these a shot. And I'm so glad I did because they turned out to be a massive success! Being a vegetarian, I swapped in veggie broth and used egg beaters. I was a bit puzzled by the instruction to 'cut into strips' as it seemed like they would be too big, so I opted to cut them into 2" by 2" squares instead. I paired them with a potato soup and it was a hit with everyone!

Susan Thomas

09/20/2024 08:14:02 PM

Excellent product! A must-have if you are preparing chicken and dumplings!

Benjamin Mitchell

08/22/2023 01:04:39 PM

I followed the recipe exactly as written and the results were fantastic. I divided the dough as instructed - some into 2" squares for boiling in broth, which turned out delicious. The rest I cut into 1/2" squares and added to the chicken soup, and they were equally tasty. With some leftover dough, I tried baking 2" squares at 400°F, and they made excellent dinner rolls. Overall, a versatile and scrumptious recipe!

Samantha King

08/08/2022 08:41:37 PM

I absolutely love this dumpling recipe! While it requires a bit more effort, the end result is truly worth it. Just a heads up, the recipe claims to yield 6 servings but in reality, it makes at least 8 servings. Despite that, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. I've prepared it multiple times without altering anything, and each time it receives glowing reviews.

Angela Jones

07/17/2024 11:53:59 AM

Review: They were tasty, much larger than what I'm accustomed to.

Christine Anderson

06/01/2024 09:24:16 AM

I absolutely loved this recipe just the way it was written for a traditional "heavy" dumpling, as specified. It brought back nostalgic memories of old-fashioned family-style dumplings, unlike the canned biscuits that some mistake for dumplings nowadays. While home cooking requires effort, this recipe was both simple and fulfilling. It's easy for anyone to open a can of biscuits, follow a recipe, and claim it's a homemade dumpling. But this recipe truly captures the essence of authentic, made-from-scratch dumplings. Job well done!

William Allen

03/19/2023 07:58:51 PM

I finally made the dumplings I've been attempting to perfect, but found that 1/2 inch is too thick. Next time, I'll aim for 1/8 to 1/4 inch at most.

George Anderson

05/22/2023 02:20:46 AM

These dumplings are just perfect for chicken and dumplings. We've already made them twice and we just can't get enough. We always prepare our own chicken broth, and I highly suggest doing the same if you can - it really takes these dumplings to the next level.

William Collins

04/28/2024 03:21:17 AM

I would describe it as a solid foundation for potential improvement. There was a bit too much sugar, so I plan to reduce it significantly next time. Perhaps incorporating additional seasonings such as Italian seasoning and black pepper, served with garlic butter, could enhance the flavors. It's an interesting twist to transform a German dish into an Italian-inspired creation! Considering its richness, I would suggest that it could serve 8-10 people, rather than just 6.

Richard Taylor

05/28/2024 06:09:46 AM

This is hands down the best dumpling recipe if you're after that perfect chewy texture. The recipe yields a generous amount, so I usually freeze half of them and they still turn out absolutely delicious.

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