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There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own desserts, especially when they come together in such a delightful way. Imagine the moment when you take your first bite of warm, rich chocolate dumplings, perfectly encased in soft dough, and the sweetness of a bright strawberry dipping sauce dances on your palate. This recipe isn’t just an ordinary treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that will impress both family and friends, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

As a lover of homemade food, I often find myself yearning for something that veers away from the ordinary. After experimenting with various fillings and sauces, these chocolate dumplings emerged as a standout. They’re surprisingly simple to make yet offer a touch of elegance that feels gourmet. Plus, the versatility of the dipping sauce means you can easily customize it, making it an ideal dish for any season or occasion. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Crave Chocolate Dumplings

Delectable Taste: These chocolate dumplings deliver an irresistible mix of rich, melty chocolate wrapped in a tender dough.

Customizable Dipping Sauce: Pair them with a strawberry sauce or your choice of fruit for a delightful twist on flavor.

Impressive Presentation: Perfect for entertaining, they elevate any dessert table with their chic appearance.

Quick Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, they come together faster than you think.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for sharing, your family and friends will rave about this heavenly dessert.

Chocolate Dumpling Ingredients

• Get ready to create delicious chocolate dumplings!

For the Dumpling Dough

All-purpose flour – Perfect for creating a sturdy dough that holds the filling well.
Boiled water – Using boiling water helps to soften the dough and make it easier to work with.
Pinch of salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough, balancing the sweetness of the chocolate.

For the Chocolate Filling

Chopped chocolate – The star of the dish; choose high-quality chocolate for a rich flavor.
Heavy whipping cream – Adds creaminess and helps create a luscious ganache.

For the Strawberry Dipping Sauce

Strawberries – Fresh berries bring brightness and natural sweetness to complement the dumplings.
Sugar – Balances the tartness of the strawberries for a delightful sauce.
Lemon juice – Adds a zesty kick that brightens up the flavor of the sauce.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce for a perfect dipping texture.

How to Make Chocolate Dumplings

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in the just-boiled water while stirring with a fork or chopsticks until everything is absorbed. Form into a cohesive dough ball using your fingers.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough ball for 2-3 minutes until smooth and round. To keep it from drying out, place it in a ziplock bag or cover it with plastic wrap, letting it rest for 30 minutes to up to 3 hours.
Prepare the Ganache: Put chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, stirring with a spatula until melted. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
Divide the Dough: Cut the rested dough in half. Roll one half into a 1-inch thick rope, keeping the other half covered to avoid drying.
Shape the Wrappers: Cut each rope into 16 equal pieces, yielding 32 pieces in total. Use your palm to flatten each piece into a disc, then roll out into approximately 4-inch round circles.
Fill and Seal: Take one wrapper, place 1 tablespoon of chocolate ganache in the center, and pleat by pinching the dough together in a circular motion. Ensure it’s tightly sealed with about 12-14 pinches, finishing by pinching the center a few times.
Prepare for Steaming: Place the finished dumplings on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dumplings, preparing them for steaming.
Steam Dumplings: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Line your steamer with parchment paper, arranging dumplings with ½ inch space between them. Cover the lid and steam for 6-7 minutes until they become tender.
Make the Sauce: Dice strawberries into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix lemon juice and cornstarch to create a slurry.
Cook the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced strawberries, sugar, lemon slurry, and simmer until it thickens to a paste, about 10-15 minutes.

Optional: Serve warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Chocolate Dumplings Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity by customizing these delightful dumplings in various ways!

Fruit-Filled: Add a spoonful of chopped fruits like bananas or cherries into the chocolate for a fruity burst.
Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with flavored chocolate, such as raspberry or orange, to add a unique twist to each dumpling.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds into the chocolate filling for a satisfying crunch. The combination of smooth chocolate and crunchy nuts will have everyone coming back for more!
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the chocolate filling for a surprising hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy whipping cream and use dairy-free chocolate for a delicious vegan version. Dairy might be off the table, but flavor certainly isn’t!
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while enjoying these decadent treats.
Caramel Drizzle: Top the dumplings with a warm caramel sauce for added sweetness and indulgence. The gooey goodness is sure to elevate your dessert experience!
Matcha Dusting: After cooking, lightly dust the dumplings with matcha powder for an elegant presentation and a hint of earthy flavor. This twist is a feast for both the eyes and the palate!

Helpful Tricks for Chocolate Dumplings

Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is not too sticky; adjust with a little more flour if necessary for easier handling.
Chill the Ganache: Letting the chocolate ganache cool for about an hour ensures it thickens properly, making it easier to fill the dumplings.
Sealing Technique: Make sure to tightly seal the dumplings with at least 12-14 pinches. A good seal prevents any chocolate from leaking during steaming.
Steaming Space: When placing the dumplings in the steamer, space them at least ½ inch apart to allow steam circulation for even cooking.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fruits for the dipping sauce, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create your unique twist on these chocolate dumplings.

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Dumplings

Room Temperature: Store leftover chocolate dumplings at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep them covered with a cloth to prevent drying out.

Fridge: Place the chocolate dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a steamer to retain their softness before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked chocolate dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating: To reheat frozen dumplings, steam directly from the freezer for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. Enjoy a quick and delightful dessert!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful chocolate dumplings are perfect for busy weeknights and can be prepped ahead for maximum convenience! You can prepare the dough and fill the dumplings up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture. As for the chocolate ganache, it can be made up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate it in a covered bowl until you’re ready to assemble. When you’re ready to serve, steam the dumplings direct from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the cooking time for a warm, indulgent dessert that’s just as delicious as freshly made!

What to Serve with Chocolate Dumplings?

Nothing pairs better with delectable sweets than a well-rounded meal to create a delightful dining experience.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich dumplings, making each bite more vibrant.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream provides a smooth, cool complement to the warm chocolate dumplings, enhancing overall indulgence.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings an airy texture that perfectly balances the dense chocolate filling.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate flavor by drizzling more rich chocolate over the dumplings. It deepens the chocolate experience, turning it into a gourmet delight.
Mint Tea: The herbal notes of mint tea offer a soothing finish to the meal, cleansing the palate after the sweetness of the dumplings.
Espresso or Coffee: A shot of espresso or a warm cup of coffee pairs wonderfully, adding a bitter contrast to the sweetness and enhancing chocolate flavors.
Panna Cotta: Light and creamy panna cotta provides an elegant touch. Its delicate flavor profile complements the dumplings without overpowering them.
Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lovers, serving alongside a rich chocolate sauce invites indulgence while accentuating the dumpling’s filling.
Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade adds a bright, zesty note, balancing the dessert’s rich flavors and providing a delightful beverage choice.

Chocolate Dumplings with Strawberry Dipping Sauce Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate is best for the filling?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate, at least 60% cocoa, for a rich and decadent filling. The chocolate’s flavor shines through and balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can use milk chocolate instead!

How should I store leftover chocolate dumplings?
You can keep leftover chocolate dumplings at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered with a cloth. For longer freshness, an airtight container in the fridge will work well for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat them in a steamer to keep their delightful softness!

Can I freeze chocolate dumplings? How?
Yes, you can! For freezing, place uncooked chocolate dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them into a ziplock bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just steam them directly from frozen for about 10-12 minutes until hot and tender.

What if my dough is too sticky while making the dumplings?
Very! If your dough feels too sticky, simply add a little extra flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the right consistency. Ensuring it isn’t too sticky will make handling and rolling out much easier!

Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Of course! This recipe contains gluten and dairy due to the flour and heavy cream. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you could experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. As for dairy, using coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream would work nicely for a dairy-free filling. Always check for allergies, especially with chocolate and fruit components, to ensure it’s safe for everyone.