Yeast Dumplings

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Soft, fluffy yeast dumplings with a sweet vanilla aroma, perfect for comforting desserts or brunches, enjoyed with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for a delightful treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. flour
  • 1 1/2 pkg. dry yeast
  • 3 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 Tbsp. melted, lukewarm butter or margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 c. lukewarm milk

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly mix the flour and dry yeast in a bowl.
  2. Add all other ingredients: sugar, vanilla, salt, melted butter, egg, and lukewarm milk.
  3. Knead everything together until you have a smooth dough.
  4. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. Knead again.
  5. Form the dough into a roll and cut into 8 pieces.
  6. Flour your hands and shape each piece into a dumpling.
  7. Place the dumplings on a floured cookie sheet.
  8. Let the dumplings rise until they are doubled in size.
  9. Put a dish towel over a wide pot with boiling water and fasten it to the pot handles.
  10. Sprinkle the dumplings with flour. Place them on top of the towel-lined pot and cover with a bowl.
  11. Cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
  12. Test the dumplings with a toothpick to check for doneness.
  13. Serve the dumplings warm with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, make sure your milk and butter are lukewarm, as too hot can kill the yeast. If you don't have dry yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast, but you may need to adjust the rising times. Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor. To enhance sweetness, drizzle with honey or maple syrup when serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the dumplings warm, drizzled with melted butter and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon for a delicious treat. They pair beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of jam. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside savory dishes like Parmesan Chowder or a light salad to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam them for a few minutes or microwave briefly, covering them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the oven, as they may dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yeast Dumplings contains roughly 257 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1001mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

257 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.4g 7% DV
Total Fat 9g 12% DV
Carbs 38.8g 14% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1000.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 286.7mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 92.3mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 14.9mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 106mg 8% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, let it rise once, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature before shaping and rising again.

What can I do if the dough doesn't rise?

If the dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm area, such as near a preheated oven. You can also add a bit of sugar to activate the yeast.

Can I freeze the dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked dumplings. Shape them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, steam them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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