Yield: 16–24 rolls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1¼ cups warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
- ¼ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Brushing:
- 1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water (for egg wash before baking)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast and sugar. Add the warm milk and stir. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the oil, salt, and eggs to the activated yeast. Stir to combine.
- Add Flour and Knead
Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough comes together, transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until soft and elastic.
- First Rise
Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls
Punch down the dough and divide it into 16 to 24 equal pieces, depending on your preferred roll size. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
- Second Rise
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with the egg wash for a golden crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Finish with Butter
Once out of the oven, brush the warm rolls with melted butter. Serve with soup, coffee, or tea.
Homemade Donuts (Fried)
Yield: ~20 donuts
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 packet rapid-rise yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened butter
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
- White sugar for coating (or glaze/cinnamon sugar, optional)
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Mix well until the dough comes together. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5–7 minutes.
- Let Dough Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut
Divide the dough in two. On a floured surface, roll out each portion to about ¼ inch thick. Cut donuts using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large and one small for the hole).
- Fry the Donuts
Heat about 3 inches of oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Fry donuts a few at a time until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Finish
While still warm, roll the donuts in white sugar or coat with glaze or cinnamon sugar. Serve warm.
Homemade Pizza Dough
Yield: 1 thick crust or 2 thin crusts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive or vegetable)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (~45 minutes).
- Shape Dough
Punch down the dough. For thin crusts, divide in two. For thick crust, use the whole dough. Roll out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Prepare for Baking
Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza pan. Let it rest for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Add Toppings & Bake
Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.