If you’re looking for a go-to dough recipe that can do it all—pizza, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, and even bread—this is it. This soft, versatile, and foolproof dough is every home baker’s dream. With just a handful of pantry staples and no need for kneading, you’ll be able to whip up fresh, homemade baked goods with ease. Whether you’re planning a cozy family pizza night or prepping cinnamon rolls for a weekend brunch, this dough has your back.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and everything else you need to make this recipe a regular part of your baking rotation.
Ingredients:
-
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm milk or water (around 100–110°F / 37–43°C)
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
-
1 ½ tsp salt
-
3 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive, or canola oil all work)
Preparation:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk or water with sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. There’s no kneading required—just mix until fully combined.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A warm, draft-free spot like your oven with the light on works great.
Step 4: Shape and Use
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it according to your recipe—roll it out for pizza, shape it into balls for rolls, or roll it into a log for bread or cinnamon rolls. After shaping, let it rest for another 30 minutes to allow for a second rise.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Baking time depends on what you’re making:
-
Pizza: 15–20 minutes
-
Dinner Rolls: 18–22 minutes
-
Bread Loaf: 25–30 minutes
-
Cinnamon Rolls: 20–25 minutes
Bake until golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.
Variations:
This dough is incredibly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to customize it:
-
Garlic Herb Dough: Add 1 tsp dried Italian herbs and 1 minced garlic clove into the dough during mixing.
-
Sweet Cinnamon Dough: For cinnamon rolls, add 1 tsp vanilla extract and an extra 1 tbsp sugar to the dough.
-
Whole Wheat Version: Substitute up to 1 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
-
Cheesy Twist: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheese for savory rolls or cheesy breadsticks.
Cooking Note:
-
Be sure your liquid is warm—not hot—or you risk killing the yeast.
-
Don’t skip the second rise. It helps the dough become fluffy and airy once baked.
-
If using for pizza, you can par-bake the crust for 8 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions:
This all-purpose dough opens the door to so many delicious options. Try these ideas:
-
Pizza Night: Top with marinara, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings.
-
Breakfast Rolls: Use the dough to make cinnamon rolls with cream cheese glaze.
-
Homemade Bread: Serve slices with soups, stews, or as sandwich bread.
-
Dinner Rolls: Perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or hearty dinners.
Tips:
-
Store leftover dough in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
To freeze: Let dough rise once, punch it down, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
-
Add toppings like sesame seeds or oats to rolls or bread before baking for extra texture.
-
If you’re short on time, place the dough near a warm oven or inside a microwave with a cup of hot water to speed up the rise.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–30 minutes (depending on the use)
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. for 1/12 of batch):
-
Calories: 160
-
Protein: 4g
-
Sodium: 180mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients used and portion size.
FAQs
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze it after the first rise. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let it rise again before baking.
What type of flour is best?
All-purpose flour gives the best results for this recipe, but bread flour can be used for a chewier texture, especially in pizza crusts.
Is kneading really not necessary?
That’s correct—this is a no-knead dough. The hydration level and rising time do all the work for you.
Conclusion: A Dough That Does It All
Whether you’re craving fresh-baked bread, gooey cinnamon rolls, fluffy dinner rolls, or a perfect homemade pizza crust, this “one dough for everything” recipe has you covered. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly versatile—ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. By keeping this recipe in your back pocket, you’ll never need to reach for store-bought dough again.
Try it once, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create bakery-style results right in your own kitchen.
Print
One Dough for Everything
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a go-to dough recipe that can do it all—pizza, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, and even bread—this is it. This soft, versatile, and foolproof dough is every home baker’s dream. With just a handful of pantry staples and no need for kneading, you’ll be able to whip up fresh, homemade baked goods with ease. Whether you’re planning a cozy family pizza night or prepping cinnamon rolls for a weekend brunch, this dough has your back.
Ingredients
-
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm milk or water (around 100–110°F / 37–43°C)
-
2 tbsp sugar
-
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
-
1 ½ tsp salt
-
3 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive, or canola oil all work)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk or water with sugar and instant yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and oil to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. There’s no kneading required—just mix until fully combined.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. A warm, draft-free spot like your oven with the light on works great.
Step 4: Shape and Use
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and shape it according to your recipe—roll it out for pizza, shape it into balls for rolls, or roll it into a log for bread or cinnamon rolls. After shaping, let it rest for another 30 minutes to allow for a second rise.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Baking time depends on what you’re making:
-
Pizza: 15–20 minutes
-
Dinner Rolls: 18–22 minutes
-
Bread Loaf: 25–30 minutes
-
Cinnamon Rolls: 20–25 minutes
Bake until golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.
Notes
-
Be sure your liquid is warm—not hot—or you risk killing the yeast.
-
Don’t skip the second rise. It helps the dough become fluffy and airy once baked.
-
If using for pizza, you can par-bake the crust for 8 minutes before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–30 minutes (depending on the use)
Nutrition
- Calories: 160
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 4g