Soft & Fluffy All-Purpose Dough
(Perfect for rolls, buns, pizza, and sweet or savory pastries!)
Prep Time: 15 mins | Rise Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
Yield: ~2 lbs dough (enough for 12 rolls, 2 pizzas, or 1 large loaf)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk (~110°F / 43°C)
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (~110°F / 43°C)
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast (or 2 packets, ~14g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (secret to extra fluffiness!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (makes dough tender)
- 5 cups (625g) all-purpose flour (adjust as needed)
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast
- In a large bowl, mix warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 mins until frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- Add oil, vinegar, baking powder, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
3. Add Flour
- Gradually mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms (about 4-5 cups). The dough should be slightly sticky but pull away from the bowl.
4. Knead
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 mins until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook).
5. First Rise
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Shape & Second Rise (Optional)
- Punch down dough and shape into:
- Dinner rolls (divide into 12 balls)
- Pizza crust (press into 2 pans)
- Cinnamon rolls (roll out, fill, and slice)
- Let shaped dough rise 20-30 mins before baking.
7. Bake
- For rolls/buns: 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 mins until golden.
- For pizza: 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 mins.
- For sweet pastries: 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 mins.
💡 Pro Tips:
- Flour adjustment: Humidity affects dough—add flour 1 tbsp at a time if too sticky.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate dough overnight after the first rise (punch down and cover tightly).
- Freeze: Wrap dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months (thaw in fridge before using).
🍞 Recipe Ideas:
- Garlic knots (brush with butter + garlic + parsley)
- Stuffed buns (fill with cheese, meat, or jam)
- Cinnamon rolls (swap sugar for ¼ cup in dough, add filling)
This dough is versatile, foolproof, and stays soft for days! Let me know what you’re making with it. 😊
