Sour Cherry Dumplings
There’s something magical about combining sweet and savory flavors, and sour cherry dumplings are the epitome of that magic in our household. This recipe was born out of a craving for something different, something that could bridge the gap between a comforting dessert and a bold, flavor-packed dish. The first time I made these, I wasn’t sure how my family would react—after all, dumplings are usually associated with hearty, savory fillings. But the tangy, slightly tart cherries paired with the delicate dumpling dough and rich sauce won everyone over in an instant.
My kids now call these “little pockets of happiness,” and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. They’re fun to make, utterly satisfying to eat, and perfect for everything from a weeknight treat to a special gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total beginner, this recipe is as approachable as it is impressive. I’ve made these dumplings more times than I can count, tweaking the recipe to get the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Trust me, these dumplings are worth every moment in the kitchen.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen sour cherries work just as well as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dumplings and freeze them uncooked. Simply cook them straight from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
Do I need a dumpling press?
Not at all. While a dumpling press can speed up the process, you can easily fold and seal the dumplings by hand.
What kind of sauce goes best with these dumplings?
A rich cherry reduction or even a lightly sweetened balsamic glaze pairs wonderfully.
Are these dumplings vegetarian?
Yes, they’re entirely vegetarian, and you can even make them vegan by using plant-based butter for the sauce.
What You Need to Make Sour Cherry Dumplings
Ingredients:
2 cups sour cherries, pitted
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup warm water
1 large egg
1/4 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
1 cup sour cherries (additional)
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Special Tools:
Rolling pin
Dumpling press or small bowl for shaping
Medium saucepan
How to Make Sour Cherry Dumplings
Prepare the Dough:
Combine flour, warm water, egg, and salt in a large bowl. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix sour cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Roll and Fill Dumplings:
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch thick). Cut out 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place a small spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each circle. Fold in half and press the edges firmly to seal.
Cook the Dumplings:
Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the dumplings in batches, cooking for 5-6 minutes or until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine additional cherries, sugar, and water. Simmer until the cherries soften. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
Serve:
Drizzle the sauce over the warm dumplings and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Making the Best Sour Cherry Dumplings
Don’t overfill the dumplings: It’s tempting, but too much filling can cause them to burst while cooking.
Seal them tightly: Use a bit of water to moisten the edges if needed.
Experiment with flavors: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Work with chilled dough: Slightly cooler dough is easier to handle and roll out.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a hit! My kids couldn’t stop eating them. The sweet and sour combo is perfection.” – Sarah B.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the recipe, but next time I’ll add a pinch more sugar to the sauce for my sweet tooth!” – Rachel K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made these for a potluck, and they disappeared within minutes. Everyone wanted the recipe!” – James P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A bit time-consuming, but totally worth it. Perfect for a weekend treat.” – Linda M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These dumplings are incredible! They remind me of something my grandmother used to make.” – Emily R.
Printable Recipe
Sour Cherry Dumplings
These sour cherry dumplings combine a sweet, tangy filling with a soft, tender dumpling dough, all topped with a rich cherry sauce. Perfect for dessert, a snack, or even a unique appetizer, these little pockets of flavor will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cherries, pitted
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cherries (additional)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
- Special Tools:
- Rolling pin
- Dumpling press or small bowl for shaping
- Medium saucepan
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Good food is meant to be shared, and these sour cherry dumplings are no exception! Snap a photo of your creation, post it on Instagram, and tag me so I can see your delicious results. Sharing recipes is how traditions are built and memories are made, so don’t forget to pin this recipe or pass it along to friends and family. Let’s spread the love—one dumpling at a time!
