All-Purpose Yeast Dough

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Soft, versatile yeast dough perfect for making various baked goods like rolls, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, and raised doughnuts. Its rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture make it an ideal base for sweet or savory creations, suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers looking for a reliable dough recipe.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup margarine
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Scald the milk.
  2. Put margarine, sugar, and salt in a work bowl.
  3. Pour the scalded milk into the bowl.
  4. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
  5. Add the yeast; mix well.
  6. Add the egg; mix thoroughly.
  7. Add flour a cup at a time and mix after each addition.
  8. Put the dough into a bowl and cover; let it rise until doubled in size.
  9. Shape the dough into desired rolls.
  10. Let the shaped dough rise until puffy.
  11. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until nicely browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use fresh yeast and ensure the milk is just scalded, not boiling, to activate the yeast properly. If you're short on flour, whole wheat flour can be substituted for half of the amount. Adding herbs or garlic powder can enhance the flavor. For a sweeter dough, consider increasing the sugar slightly. This dough is versatile and can also be used for recipes like Egg And Vegetable Pie.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls make an excellent side for any meal, especially paired with Company Oven-Browned Mashed Potatoes. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spreads. They also work well as a base for sliders or sandwiches. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside Cherry Cobbler(Microwave Recipe) for a satisfying meal finish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and soft again. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked dough for later use; just thaw and allow to rise before baking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of All-Purpose Yeast Dough contains roughly 230 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

230 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 35.7g 13% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 12.5g 25% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 888.6mg 39% DV
Potassium 260.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 44.6mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.4mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 6.1mg 7% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 153.6mg 12% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to activate it in warm water with a bit of sugar before adding it to the mixture. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. Make sure to follow the same steps for mixing and rising.

How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch. You can also perform the 'poke test': gently poke the dough with your finger; if the indentation remains, it’s ready to shape.

What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?

If your dough hasn't risen, it may be due to old yeast or an inappropriate temperature. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If it still doesn't rise, consider starting over with a new yeast packet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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