Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this one-dough wonder. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

✔ Versatile: Use it for sweet or savory dishes—pizza, cinnamon rolls, bread, or dinner rolls.
✔ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
✔ Time-Saving: Prepare one batch of dough and use it for multiple meals throughout the week.
✔ Customizable: Add herbs, spices, cheese, or sugar to suit your taste.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
✔ Foolproof for Beginners: Even if you’re new to baking, this dough is forgiving and easy to handle.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to this magical dough lies in its simple yet adaptable combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweet vs. savory recipes)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted, or substitute olive oil for savory options)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• Savory: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, or ½ cup shredded cheese.
• Sweet: Increase sugar to ½ cup and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up this magical dough? Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1️⃣ In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar.
2️⃣ Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until frothy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to use.

👉 Tip: If the yeast doesn’t bubble, your milk might be too hot or too cold. Start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2️⃣ Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter (or oil), and eggs. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3️⃣ Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4️⃣ Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed for 5–7 minutes.

👉 Tip: If the dough is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time. If it’s too dry, add a splash of warm milk.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface.
2️⃣ Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
3️⃣ Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

👉 Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on for warmth.

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Step 4: Customize and Shape

Once the dough has risen, divide it into portions and shape it according to your desired recipe. Below are ideas for transforming the dough into different creations:

Transformations: What You Can Make

1. Pizza Crust 🍕

✔ Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
✔ Roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle on a floured surface.
✔ Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone, add your favorite toppings, and bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

👉 Tip: For a chewy crust, let the shaped dough rest for 10 minutes before baking.

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2. Cinnamon Rolls 🍥

✔ Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12x16 inches).
✔ Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
✔ Roll tightly into a log, slice into rolls, and place them in a greased baking pan.
✔ Let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
✔ Drizzle with cream cheese glaze after baking.

👉 Tip: For extra gooey rolls, brush with heavy cream before baking!

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3. Soft Dinner Rolls 🍞

✔ Divide the dough into equal portions (about golf ball-sized).
✔ Shape into balls and place them in a greased baking pan, leaving space between each roll.
✔ Let them rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown.
✔ Brush with melted butter after baking.

👉 Tip: Sprinkle with sea salt or sesame seeds for extra flavor!

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4. Loaf of Bread 🍞

✔ Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.
✔ Let it rise for 30–45 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

👉 Tip: For a softer crust, brush with butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

📌 Refrigeration: Store dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
📌 Freezing: Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
📌 Baked Goods Storage: Keep baked bread, rolls, or cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or freeze for later.

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Serving Suggestions

🍽️ Pair your fresh-baked creations with:
✔ Butter & jam for breakfast
✔ Soup or salad for a comforting meal
✔ Garlic butter or herbed olive oil for dipping
✔ Nutella or honey for a sweet treat

This versatile dough recipe is truly a game-changer, making it easy to whip up homemade bread, rolls, pizza, and more anytime you crave freshly baked goodness! 🍞✨