Easy Homemade Dough Recipes for Dinner Rolls, Donuts, and Pizza
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread or the joy of biting into a fluffy donut or a crisp, cheesy pizza slice. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner, a weekend brunch, or a movie night, having a reliable dough recipe is a game changer. In this guide, you’ll find three versatile and easy dough recipes: soft dinner rolls, classic fried donuts, and chewy pizza crust. All beginner-friendly, pantry-staple-based, and perfect for any occasion.
Why Make Dough from Scratch?
Homemade dough isn’t just about taste—it’s about control. You know exactly what goes in, and you can customize the texture, flavor, and size to your liking. Plus, the process is incredibly satisfying!
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Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe (Soft and Fluffy)
Perfect for: Holiday dinners, soups, sandwiches, or a simple buttered roll with tea.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 teaspoons yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/4 cups warm milk
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
For brushing:
1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water (egg wash, before baking)
2 tablespoons melted butter (after baking)
Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine yeast and sugar. Pour in warm milk and let sit for 5 minutes, until bubbly.
2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in oil, salt, and eggs.
3. Add flour gradually: Mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the rolls: Divide into 16–24 pieces. Roll each into a ball and arrange on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
6. Second rise: Let rest for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with egg wash. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden.
8. Finish: Brush with melted butter. Serve warm.
> Pro Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully. Just reheat in the oven wrapped in foil.
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Classic Fried Donuts Recipe (Soft and Sugary)
Perfect for: Weekend treats, parties, or whenever that donut craving hits.
Ingredients:
1 packet rapid-rise yeast
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup warm milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup softened butter
4 1/2 cups flour
Oil for frying
White sugar for coating
Instructions:
1. Activate yeast: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add wet and dry ingredients: Mix in eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth and form into a round dough ball.
3. First rise: Let dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Shape donuts: Divide dough in half. Roll each portion to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a cutter.
5. Fry: Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pan. Fry donuts until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Coat: While warm, roll donuts in sugar. For variety, try glazing or cinnamon sugar.
> Pro Tip: Let the shaped donuts rest 10 minutes before frying for fluffier results.
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Homemade Pizza Dough (Thin or Thick Crust)
Perfect for: Family pizza night, flatbreads, or calzones.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Activate yeast: Stir together yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix dough: In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and oil. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
4. Let rise: Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. Shape the crust: For thin crust, divide in half. For thick crust, use all the dough. Roll out to your desired thickness.
6. Pre-bake prep: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat oven to 475°F and let dough rest for 15 minutes.
7. Top and bake: Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
> Pro Tip: Brushing the edges with olive oil before baking adds extra crunch and color.
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Final Thoughts
Mastering these three essential dough recipes—dinner rolls, donuts, and pizza—opens up a world of homemade comfort food. Each recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers bakery-style results. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal or a special celebration, having these go-to doughs in your recipe arsenal makes all the difference.