Homemade German Hefeklöße: Traditional Steamed Yeast Dumplings

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
1 packet of dry yeast (about 7g)
250ml lukewarm milk
50g sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
50g melted butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Optional: zest of one lemon
Extra flour for dusting
500ml water for steaming

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour and dry yeast. Mix well.
Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Pour the lukewarm milk into the well.
Add the sugar, eggs, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the well. If desired, add the lemon zest.
Mix all ingredients together until a dough forms. The dough should be firm and not stick to the sides of the bowl.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, dust a clean surface with flour. Place the dough on the surface and divide into equal-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Carefully place the dough balls into the water, making sure they do not touch each other.
Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 20 minutes. They should become larger and lighter in color.
After 20 minutes, use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the water. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

Large bowl - Used for mixing the dough ingredients.
Clean towel - Used to cover the bowl and let the dough rise.
Surface for rolling - A clean surface dusted with flour for rolling and shaping the dough.
Slotted spoon - Used to remove the dumplings from the water.
Pot with lid - Large pot for boiling and steaming the dumplings.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
Add raisins or other dried fruits to the dough for extra sweetness and flavor.
Replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness.
For a savory option, omit the sugar and vanilla extract, and instead add grated cheese and herbs like chives or parsley to the dough.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Add a filling to the dumplings, such as a small piece of chocolate, a fruit preserve, or a nut filling, before shaping them into balls.
Instead of steaming the dumplings, bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Serve the dumplings with a warm vanilla sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
Experiment with different extracts or flavors, such as almond extract, rum, or cinnamon, to customize the taste of the dumplings.
For a vegan version, replace the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter substitute.

Recipe overview

If you're looking to try a delicious, traditional German dish, look no further than Hefeklöße. These fluffy, steamed dumplings made from a yeast dough are a delight to the senses and a unique addition to any meal. The process of making Hefeklöße involves mixing the ingredients into a dough, letting it rise, forming it into balls, and then steaming them until they're light and fluffy. While the recipe might be a bit time-consuming, the end result is truly worth it. Don't be surprised if your kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma as these dumplings cook. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, Hefeklöße is a treat that's sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? - Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast in this recipe. Keep in mind that the rising time may be slightly shorter with instant yeast.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? - Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture of the dumplings may be denser compared to using all-purpose flour.
Can I use a stand mixer or bread machine to knead the dough? - Yes, you can use a stand mixer or bread machine with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for kneading times.
Can I freeze the dumplings? - Yes, you can freeze the dumplings. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, steam them for a few extra minutes until heated through.
What can I serve with Hefeklöße? - Hefeklöße are traditionally served with fruit compote, such as cherry or plum compote. They can also be enjoyed with vanilla sauce or custard.
Can I make Hefeklöße in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, shape the dough into balls and proceed with steaming.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients.
Whisk - To thoroughly mix the dough ingredients.
Clean Towel - To cover the dough and allow it to rise.
Rolling Pin - To roll the dough into equal-sized portions.
Large Pot - To boil the water and steam the dumplings.
Slotted Spoon - To remove the dumplings from the water.

Origin stories

Hefeklöße, a delightful traditional German dish, traces its roots back to the rural kitchens of Germany. Often made on Sundays or special occasions, it was considered a luxury given the relatively expensive ingredients required. The charming thing about Hefeklöße is that every region and often every household has its own unique tweak to the recipe. In some places, it would be served sweet with vanilla sauce, in others it would be a savory accompaniment to hearty meat dishes. Often, grandmothers would sneak a fruit or a sweet surprise into the middle of the dumpling, turning every bite into an adventure for the younger ones at the table. This tradition continues with modern variations including chocolate or jam fillings. To this day, Hefeklöße remains a cherished memory of childhood and family gatherings for many Germans, a testament to the enduring power of food to connect us to our roots.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.