The Best Homemade Dough Recipes: Dinner Rolls, Pizza, and Donuts
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re craving fluffy homemade dinner rolls, a crispy pizza crust, or pillowy yeast donuts, these easy dough recipes are beginner-friendly and perfect for any occasion. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the magic of home baking!
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Why Homemade Dough is Always Better
Homemade dough isn’t just about taste—it’s about control. You get to choose the ingredients, skip the preservatives, and enjoy that soft, warm texture that store-bought versions often lack. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching dough rise and transform into something golden and delicious.
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🍞 Fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Light, Soft, and Perfect with Any Meal
These homemade dinner rolls are a family favorite. They’re lightly sweet, super soft, and make a comforting side for soups, stews, or even your morning coffee.
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1¼ cups warm milk
¼ cup oil
2 eggs
½ teaspoon salt
For brushing:
1 egg white + 2 tablespoons water (before baking)
2 tablespoons melted butter (after baking)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yeast and sugar. Pour in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Add oil, salt, and eggs, mixing until combined.
3. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time. Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
5. Divide the dough into 16–24 pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased baking dish.
6. Cover again and let rest for 30 minutes to rise a second time.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with egg wash.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Once out of the oven, brush with melted butter and serve warm.
Keyword Tip: Use “soft dinner rolls from scratch” or “easy yeast rolls for dinner” for better search visibility.
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🍕 Easy Homemade Pizza Dough
Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside – Your Go-To Pizza Crust
Forget store-bought crusts—this homemade pizza dough is ready in under an hour and delivers that perfect pizzeria texture you love.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons oil
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a larger bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and oil. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes).
5. For thin crust pizza, divide the dough into two portions. For a thick crust, use it whole.
6. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness on a floured surface.
7. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rest for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Add your favorite toppings.
9. Bake on the bottom oven rack for 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Keyword Tip: Try ranking for “quick homemade pizza dough without mixer” or “crispy pizza base from scratch.”
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🍩 Classic Yeast Donuts
Light, Golden, and Irresistibly Good
Craving donuts that rival your local bakery? These homemade fried donuts are soft, airy, and ready for your favorite toppings—from sugar and glaze to cinnamon.
Ingredients:
1 pack rapid-rise yeast
¼ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup warm milk or water
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup softened butter
4½ cups all-purpose flour
Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk or water with sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add eggs, butter, salt, and flour. Stir until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth.
3. Cover the bowl and let dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Divide dough in half and roll each out to about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
5. Use a donut cutter to shape the donuts.
6. Heat oil (about 3 inches deep) in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides.
8. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Roll in sugar or glaze and enjoy warm.
Keyword Tip: Try optimizing for “easy yeast donut recipe for beginners” or “how to make fried donuts at home.”
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Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making soft rolls for dinner, prepping a homemade pizza night, or frying up golden donuts for a sweet treat, these dough recipes are as reliable as they are delicious. They require simple ingredients and basic techniques—but deliver bakery-level results right from your kitchen.