Easy Blueberry Steamed Vareniki: Quick & Fluffy Dumplings with Biscuit Dough

Step into the delightful world of Ukrainian cuisine with our incredibly easy recipe for Blueberry Steamed Dumplings, lovingly known as Vareniki. Traditionally a staple in Ukrainian households, these sweet dumplings are transformed into a remarkably quick and convenient meal using a brilliant kitchen hack: refrigerated Pillsbury Grand biscuit dough. Whether you choose to steam them directly in a pot with a simple kitchen splatter screen – a truly handy kitchen hack for a steamer basket – or opt for the classic boiled method, the result is a batch of dumplings so fluffy and flavorful, they rival even grandma’s traditional Ukrainian recipe. You’ll be amazed at how this shortcut delivers authentic taste and texture, with no one guessing your secret ingredient!

Vareniki hold a special place in the heart of Ukrainian cuisine, much like other beloved national dishes such as Borscht, Pierogi, Cabbage Rolls, Potato Pancakes, and Potato Cabbage Rolls. While these traditional flavors are deeply cherished, growing up in America has also introduced us to a love for comforting American classics, such as this hearty Chicken Pot Pie Casserole with Biscuits. For those eager to explore more delightful Ukrainian-inspired recipes, consider trying our flavorful Chicken and Dumplings Soup or a comforting Dumplings Soup featuring savory Pelmeni.

What are Dumplings? A Global Comfort Food

Dumplings are a universal language of comfort food, with nearly every culture boasting its unique rendition! At their core, dumplings are crafted from a simple dough, most commonly flour-based, and can be generously filled with an astounding array of ingredients. From savory meats, cheeses, and vegetables to sweet fruits, the possibilities are endless. These versatile parcels of deliciousness can be prepared in various ways: boiled, steamed, fried, or even baked, each method imparting a distinct texture and flavor profile. It’s this adaptability that makes dumplings a beloved dish worldwide.

Among our personal favorites are Pierogies, which we traditionally boil until tender before pan-frying them to a golden crisp. When a craving for hearty meat-filled dumplings strikes, our go-to is always Pelmeni. Ukrainian Vareniki, the stars of this recipe, are particularly special. They are typically filled with either sweet delights like various fruits or cheese (tvorog), or savory options such as sauerkraut. It’s fascinating how culinary traditions within the same culture can vary; my family, both originally from Ukraine, prefers to boil these dumplings, while my husband’s side cherishes them steamed. Both methods yield an incredibly delicious and undeniably addictive result.

These blueberry steamed dumplings strike a perfect balance, offering a delightful sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. They are substantial enough to be considered a satisfying main dish, often served simply with a generous dollop of cool, tangy sour cream (smetana). Their versatility makes them perfect for any time of day – a light lunch, a quick snack, a fulfilling dinner, or even a charming summer appetizer. Children especially adore these soft, fruit-filled treats, and the ease of preparation makes them a joy for any home cook.

Vareniki vs. Pelmeni or Pierogies: Understanding the Differences

Navigating the rich landscape of European dumplings can sometimes be a bit confusing, but the distinction between names like Vareniki, Pelmeni, and Pierogies often boils down to regional variations and, crucially, their fillings. As Ukrainians, we typically refer to meat-filled dumplings as Pelmeni. Potato-filled dumplings are generally known as Pierogi, though in some Ukrainian contexts, they might also be called vareniki. The term “Vareniki” itself is a broad category encompassing dumplings filled with almost everything else – from hearty cabbage and potatoes (though potato Vareniki are distinct from Pierogies in their preparation or dough) to farmer’s cheese (tvorog) and a wonderful array of fresh fruits. This recipe, with its sweet blueberry filling, firmly places these within the beloved Vareniki tradition.

The Genius of Simplified Preparation: A Modern Vareniki Hack

Historically, both my Ukrainian family and my husband’s side prepared traditional Vareniki dough using buttermilk. This was often a practical way to utilize souring milk, preventing waste while creating incredibly tender and flavorful dough. The combination of buttermilk and baking soda was key to achieving those famously fluffy vareniki. While I still cherish and occasionally make my Homemade Vareniki Recipe from scratch, my mother, ever the innovator, discovered a vastly simpler method to enjoy these delightful fruit dumplings after our immigration to the United States.

The secret, a true stroke of genius, was utilizing refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuit Dough. My mom realized this shortcut allowed her to prepare a traditional, comforting meal at a fraction of the time and effort. This brilliant hack is a game-changer for busy households and is readily accessible at most grocery stores. The best part? You would truly never suspect that these fluffy, soft, and blueberry-bursting steamed dumplings didn’t come from a meticulously prepared homemade dough. They capture all the essence of traditional Vareniki with unparalleled convenience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Blueberry Steamed Dumplings:

Traditionally, crafting Vareniki from scratch requires basic pantry staples like flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. These humble ingredients were the foundation of authentic Ukrainian dumplings. However, our streamlined recipe harnesses the power of refrigerated biscuit dough, dramatically cutting down preparation time. This means you skip the measuring, mixing, and kneading, as the dough is already pre-sliced and perfectly ready to be filled, folded, and steamed! Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to embark on this delicious journey:

• Pillsbury Grands Biscuit Dough: Look for this in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. Any generic brand of flaky biscuit dough will also work wonderfully as a substitute, offering that desired fluffy texture.
• Fresh Blueberries: It’s crucial to use fresh blueberries, not frozen. Frozen berries tend to release excess liquid during steaming, which can make the dough soggy or cause the dumplings to unseal. Ensure they are washed and gently patted dry.
• Granulated Sugar: We use just enough sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the blueberries, creating mildly sweet dumplings that are versatile enough to be served as a main dish. They are absolutely delightful when paired with a dollop of sour cream!

Simple Steps: How To Make These Fluffy Steamed Dumplings

Once you’ve gathered your simple ingredients, the dumpling dough is practically ready for filling and cooking. Begin by twisting and popping open your can of biscuit dough. If you’re using Pillsbury Grands biscuits, a crucial tip is to simply slice each biscuit in half horizontally. This creates smaller, more manageable dumpling sizes that steam evenly and cook through perfectly. Using a whole biscuit would result in overly large dumplings that take longer to cook and might not achieve the desired fluffy consistency. (For those interested in the traditional route, making dumpling dough from scratch involves a blend of buttermilk, baking soda, salt, and flour as the main components, but today, we’re embracing the shortcut!)

1. Prepare Dough: If using Grands biscuits, carefully cut each round of dough in half to create thinner pieces. Gently stretch each dumpling half into a slightly larger circle, just enough to comfortably hold a teaspoon of filling.
2. Fill with Berries: Place a generous teaspoon of fresh blueberries directly into the center of each stretched dough circle. Sprinkle a small amount of granulated sugar over the blueberries.
3. Fold & Seal: Carefully fold the dough in half, creating a classic half-moon shape. Pinch and firmly seal the edges together to encapsulate the delicious blueberry filling. A good seal is key to preventing the filling from leaking out during cooking.
4. Set Up Steamer: Arrange the prepared Vareniki dumplings onto a flat kitchen splatter screen or a stainless steel steaming basket. Position this steamer over a pot containing about 3 inches of vigorously boiling water, ensuring the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer.
5. Steam to Perfection: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and allow the dumplings to steam for approximately 5-8 minutes. They are ready when they appear fluffy and thoroughly cooked, and the blueberries just begin to soften.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Immediately serve your warm, fluffy blueberry steamed dumplings with a generous dollop of cool sour cream. This classic pairing creates a truly irresistible experience!

Pro Tip for Decorative Edges: For those who love a beautifully crimped edge, similar to some Chinese dumplings or chive pockets, you can achieve this by folding the edges in small, overlapping sections, pressing each fold firmly to create an elegant, twisted pattern. This adds both visual appeal and a stronger seal.

Creative Filling Variations for Your Vareniki Dumplings:

While our fresh blueberry filling with a hint of sugar is a beloved family favorite, the beauty of Vareniki lies in their endless versatility! You can experiment with any seasonal fruit or a variety of savory fillings. The key is to place the filling squarely in the center of your dough circle to ensure a perfect half-moon shape that securely holds its contents. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some other delightful filling ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Lazy Varenyky (Livy Varenyky): These are a fantastic shortcut for when you crave the dough without the fuss of filling. Simply cut the dough into strips and cook them like gnocchi. Serve them hot, drizzled with your favorite jam or a spoonful of sour cream.
• Cherry Filling: A classic choice, vareniki with cherries are best made with fresh, ripe cherries. Pit and halve sweet or sour cherries, then sprinkle a tiny pinch of sugar into each dumpling for a burst of vibrant flavor.
• Hearty Potato Filling: Create a comforting savory filling by mashing 1 lb of russet potatoes. Mix them with salt, a generous knob of butter, 6 oz cream cheese for creaminess, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
• Savory Cabbage Filling: We often prepare delicious Simple Fried Cabbage, typically for Pirozhki (fried buns). For Vareniki, a rich Braised Cabbage filling made with sautéed mushrooms and a handful of tangy Sauerkraut makes for an incredibly satisfying and wholesome meal.
• Savory Meat Filling: For a robust and filling option, combine 500 grams of your preferred ground meat (chicken, pork, or beef) with 3 finely minced cloves of garlic, 1 diced onion, 2/3 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2-4 Tbsp of water to keep the mixture moist.
• Sweet Apple Dumplings: Core and dice two of your favorite apples (peeled if desired). Sprinkle each apple-filled dumpling with a pinch of sugar before sealing for a sweet and tender treat.
• Versatile Cottage Cheese (Tvorog) Filling: This filling can be tailored to your taste. For a sweet cheese filling, add sugar to your desired sweetness level and perhaps a hint of vanilla. For a savory cheese filling, mix in salt and fresh, chopped dill.
• Fresh Strawberry-filled Vareniki: A wonderful fruit filling for the warmer months! Simply chop up a pint of fresh strawberries and sprinkle a pinch of sugar into each dumpling before sealing.

Mastering the Art: How To Shape and Fold Your Dumplings

Properly closing and sealing your dumpling dough is paramount to ensure the delicious filling stays securely inside during cooking. A helpful trick is to try and keep the edges of the dough relatively dry; this makes for an easier and more reliable seal. Luckily, this Vareniki recipe, especially with the convenience of biscuit dough, is wonderfully simple and doesn’t demand intricate culinary artistry to crimp the edges. Here’s a straightforward method to achieve a perfect seal every time:

1. Start with Dough: Take one prepared circle of dough and place your chosen filling in the center.
2. Fold in Half: Gently fold the dough over the filling, aligning the edges to create a perfect half-moon shape.
3. Pinch the Edges: Using your fingers, firmly pinch the edges of the dough together. You can simply press them with your fingertips to create a secure seal.
4. Ready to Cook: Once sealed, your dumpling is ready for steaming or boiling!

This simple method ensures your Vareniki are not only delicious but also beautifully intact, ready to be enjoyed.

Delightful Pairings: What To Serve With Blueberry Steamed Dumplings?

Wondering what truly elevates these fluffy, sweet blueberry dumplings? Our absolute favorite way to savor them is by topping each warm dumpling with a generous dollop of cool, tangy sour cream (Smetana). The contrast between the hot, sweet berries and the refreshing, slightly sour cream is an unbeatable combination that truly sings on the palate! Alternatively, you could melt some salted butter and use it as a rich, savory dipping sauce for a different but equally delicious experience.

These blueberry dumplings are wonderfully filling and can easily stand alone as a delightful main course. However, if you’re looking to create a more elaborate meal or simply want some complementary flavors, here are some fantastic side dishes that pair beautifully with Vareniki, balancing the sweet with savory elements:

• Simple Fried Cabbage: A classic Eastern European side that offers a savory and slightly sweet contrast.
• Sauerkraut Recipe: Its fermented tanginess cuts through the sweetness of the dumplings beautifully.
• Crepes With Cream Cheese Crepe Filling (Nalesniki): If you want more sweet options, these delicate crepes are a lovely addition.
• Cottage Cheese Crepes: Another wonderful, mild, and creamy side dish.
• Pelmeni Soup (Russian Dumplings Soup): For a heartier, more soup-focused meal, this savory dumpling soup would make an interesting contrast.

More Delicious Dumpling Recipes to Explore:

If these blueberry Vareniki have sparked your love for dumplings, there’s a whole world of delightful dumpling recipes waiting to be discovered. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other fantastic options:

• Dumpling Soup: A comforting and hearty soup made with savory homemade meat dumplings, perfect for a chilly day.
• Pelmeni (Meat Dumplings): Learn to make these classic Russian meat-filled dumplings, often served with butter or sour cream.
• Homemade Polish Pierogies Recipe (Freezer Friendly): A detailed guide to making and freezing traditional Polish potato and cheese pierogies.
• Vareniki Dough Recipe (Blueberry or Cheese Filling): For those who want to try their hand at a traditional Vareniki dough from scratch, complete with classic filling options.

I am always on the lookout for ingenious ways to transform humble ingredients like Pillsbury Biscuits into fantastic dinner or dessert options! Please feel free to share your favorite and easiest biscuit recipes for meal ideas in the comments below. I’d love to hear your creative culinary hacks!

The Full Recipe: How To Make Blueberry Steamed Dumplings

Print
Rate
Pin

Blueberry Steamed Dumplings

Prep Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes
minutes

Servings:

32
dumplings

Author:
Alyona Demyanchuk

These Blueberry Steamed Dumplings can be made two ways – steamed right in the pot using a flat kitchen splatter screen (a handy kitchen hack for a steamer basket) or turned into traditional boiled dumplings. This dumpling recipe is so fluffy and made from refrigerated Pillsbury Grand biscuit dough for an easy shortcut to traditional dumplings like grandma would make back in Ukraine (no one will even tell!)

Equipment

• 1 large 8-quart pot
• 1 kitchen splatter screen or stainless steel steaming basket
• 1 Spatula

Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 
  2
  cans
  refrigerated biscuits
  (Pillsbury buttermilk Grands recommended)
• 
  24
  oz
  fresh blueberries
  (washed and gently patted dry)
• 
  1/4
  cup
  granulated sugar

Instructions

Directions:

• 

  Bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Carefully place a splatter screen or steaming basket directly over the pot, ensuring it is secure and the water does not touch the bottom.
• 

  Meanwhile, open your biscuit cans. For Pillsbury Grands, cut each biscuit round in half horizontally. Then, gently flatten and stretch each half into a roughly 3-inch circular shape, preparing them for filling.
• 

  Carefully place 4-5 fresh blueberries into the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle each with approximately 1/8 tsp of granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference). Fold the dough in half over the filling and firmly pinch the edges together to create a secure seal, forming a half-moon shape.
• 

  Place the prepared dumplings onto the splatter screen or steamer. Cover with a lid and steam over medium heat for 5-8 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they have fluffed up significantly and the berries inside just begin to soften and slightly expand. Serve immediately with sour cream.

Notes

• *Sugar: The amount of sugar is optional and can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness and the natural sweetness of your blueberries.
• You can use any generic brand of refrigerated flaky biscuits; just remember to cut the larger Grands biscuits in half for optimal dumpling size and cooking.

Nutrition per serving

Serving:
1
steamed dumpling



Calories:
124
kcal



Carbohydrates:
19
g



Protein:
2
g



Fat:
5
g



Saturated Fat:
1
g



Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g



Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g



Cholesterol:
1
mg



Sodium:
272
mg



Potassium:
81
mg



Fiber:
1
g



Sugar:
5
g



Vitamin A:
12
IU



Vitamin C:
2
mg



Calcium:
15
mg



Iron:
1
mg