White Bread Dough Recipe

This simple white bread dough is an excellent first yeast bread recipe for kids. It can be baked into sandwich loaves, dinner rolls, breadsticks, hamburger buns, monkey bread, or many of the bread projects found later on this page.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105 -115 F)
• Pinch of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup shortening or canola oil
• 5 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a measuring cup, combine the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Meanwhile, combine the warm milk, sugar, salt, eggs, and shortening in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add about 2 cups of the flour and mix until smooth.
4. Pour in the proofed yeast mixture.
5. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
7. Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
8. Punch the dough down and shape it into two loaves, dinner rolls, or another bread project.
9. Cover and let rise again for about 20-30 minutes.
10. Bake at 350 F until lightly golden brown. Baking time varies depending on the shape and size of your bread.