11 Dumpling Recipes That Go From Sweet to Savory

Dumplings come in countless forms across cultures, from savory filled pockets to sweet fruit-stuffed treats. They can be steamed, fried, baked, or simmered, showing just how versatile this comfort food really is. Some recipes lean traditional, like pan-fried dumplings, zongzi, and crystal dumplings, while others bring fun twists with puff pastry, rice paper, or air fryer versions. Whether you prefer them chewy, flaky, or melt-in-your-mouth tender, these dumpling recipes highlight both classic techniques and creative shortcuts for enjoying this timeless favorite.

Crystal Dumplings

Low angle shot of dumplings with a steamer basket in the background. — Crystal Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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These translucent dumplings are made with a delicate dough that turns almost see-through when steamed. The wrappers are chewy yet tender, showing off the colorful filling inside. They’re often filled with vegetables or shrimp for a light bite. A beautiful and traditional style of dumpling.
Get the Recipe: Crystal Dumplings

Rice Paper Dumplings

A pair of chopsticks holding a dumpling dipped in soy sauce, with a slice of lime and sesame seeds in the background. — Rice Paper Dumplings. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rice paper sheets are filled with vegetables or meat, then pan-fried until crisp. The outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They’re lighter than wheat-based dumplings but still satisfying. A clever twist on traditional dumplings.
Get the Recipe: Rice Paper Dumplings

Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

A baked apple wrapped in flaky pastry sits on a gray plate with one slice cut. — Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Flaky puff pastry wraps around fresh apples with sugar and spices, baking into golden parcels. The pastry puffs up around the fruit, creating a crisp, buttery shell. Inside, the apples turn tender and sweet. A dessert-style dumpling with cozy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

Easy Homemade Dumplings

2 bowls of soup with homemade dumplings. — Easy Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This recipe covers the basics of dumpling-making with simple dough and filling. The wrappers are soft and chewy, perfect for steaming or pan-frying. The filling can be customized with vegetables, pork, or chicken. A great starting point for learning dumplings at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Dumplings

Peach Dumplings (Air Fryer)

Fresh peach slices are wrapped in dough and cooked in the air fryer. The result is golden, crisp dumplings with a juicy, sweet center. They’re quick to make and lighter than baked versions. A fun way to enjoy summer fruit.
Get the Recipe: Peach Dumplings (Air Fryer)

Qingtuan(青团): Traditional Chinese Mugwort Dumplings

Chewy green mugwort dumplings stuffed with sweet red bean paste. — Qingtuan(青团): Traditional Chinese Mugwort Dumplings. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These green dumplings are made with glutinous rice flour and mugwort, giving them a distinct herbal flavor and color. They’re often filled with sweet red bean paste. The texture is chewy and slightly sticky. A traditional Chinese treat often enjoyed in spring.
Get the Recipe: Qingtuan(青团): Traditional Chinese Mugwort Dumplings

Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways)

Traditional Chinese sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves on a white plate. — Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Zongzi are made from sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with meat, beans, or egg yolk. They’re steamed or boiled, infusing the rice with earthy aroma from the leaves. Each dumpling is dense, savory, and filling. A festival favorite with deep tradition.
Get the Recipe: Zongzi (Sticky Rice Dumpling, Making 2 Easy Ways)

Pan-Fried Dumplings

These dumplings are seared in a skillet until golden on the bottom, then steamed to finish cooking. The result is a crispy base with a tender top and juicy filling. They’re versatile and work with many fillings. A restaurant classic you can make at home.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Dumplings

Almond Flour Dumplings

A plate of cooked dumpling balls garnished with chopped parsley. — Almond Flour Dumplings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

These dumplings swap traditional flour for almond flour, making them grain-free. They’re tender but slightly nutty, working well in soups and stews. The texture is light and fluffy while holding together well. A creative variation on classic dumplings.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Dumplings

Gluten Free Potstickers – Pork Dumplings with Sesame Sauce

These potstickers use gluten-free wrappers filled with seasoned pork. They’re pan-fried for crispness, then served with a sesame dipping sauce. The flavors are savory and nutty with plenty of depth. A gluten-free spin that keeps all the flavor of traditional potstickers.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Potstickers – Pork Dumplings with Sesame Sauce

Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings

Pastry dough is wrapped around apricot and apple slices with cinnamon, then air-fried until golden. The fruit becomes tender and fragrant while the pastry crisps up beautifully. Each bite is sweet, spiced, and flaky. A quick dessert dumpling with warm flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Apricot Apple Cinnamon Dumplings