Sweet Bread Recipe – Basic Sweet Yeast Dough

This Basic Sweet Yeast Dough is a versatile recipe that serves as the foundation for many delicious baked goods, including sweet rolls, babka, cinnamon rolls, and soft dinner rolls. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, this dough is easy to work with and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy texture – A perfectly tender, pillowy bread.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and foolproof steps.
• Versatile – Use it for cinnamon rolls, brioche, donuts, and more.
• Perfectly sweet – Just the right amount of sugar for a lightly sweet flavor.
• Make-ahead friendly – Dough can be refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose or bread flour
• Warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast or instant yeast
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Eggs
• Salt
• Vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes (by hand) or 5 minutes (with a stand mixer) until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

4. Shape & Second Rise

1. Punch down the dough and shape as desired (for rolls, loaves, or braided bread).
2. Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

5. Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes (for rolls) or 30-35 minutes (for loaves), until golden brown.
3. Let cool before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls or 1 large loaf
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Bake Time: 20-35 minutes
• Total Time: About 2.5 hours

Variations

• Cinnamon Rolls: Roll out the dough, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll up and slice before baking.
• Fruit-Filled Bread: Add dried fruit or chocolate chips to the dough.
• Brioche-Style: Increase butter to make the dough richer and softer.
• Braided Bread: Braid the dough before the second rise for a beautiful presentation.
• Glazed Sweet Bread: Drizzle with powdered sugar icing after baking.

Storage & Freezing

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, but warm before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze baked bread for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! No need to proof—just mix it directly into the flour.

How do I make the dough softer?

Use bread flour and slightly increase butter for extra tenderness.

Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?

Yes! Let it rise in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What’s the best way to knead the dough?

Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk and dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Check if your yeast is fresh, and ensure the liquid is warm but not too hot (110°F/43°C is ideal).

Can I add flavoring to the dough?

Absolutely! Try adding lemon zest, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra depth.

How do I keep the bread from drying out?

Store in an airtight container and warm slightly before serving.

What’s the best way to shape the dough?

For rolls, divide into small balls. For loaves, shape into a rectangle and place in a loaf pan.

Can I use this dough for donuts?

Yes! Cut into donut shapes, let rise, and fry until golden brown.

Conclusion

This Basic Sweet Yeast Dough is a must-have recipe for every home baker. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for rolls, braids, babka, and more. Try it today and enjoy homemade sweet bread like never before!

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