Achieve the perfect foundation for all your favorite baked treats with this Pastry Perfect Sweet Dough recipe! This versatile dough combines rich, buttery flavor with a soft, pillowy texture that rises beautifully, thanks to the perfect blend of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and a touch of sugar. Infused with vanilla and crafted with whole milk and eggs for extra richness, this dough is ideal for creating everything from cinnamon rolls to sweet buns and braided pastries. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a simple kneading technique, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're adding your favorite fillings or finishing with a glossy glaze, this sweet dough is guaranteed to elevate your homemade pastries to bakery-level perfection. The ultimate base for unforgettable sweet creations, it's a must-try for any baking enthusiast!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch but not hot (around 110°F).
Whisk the eggs and vanilla extract into the milk and butter mixture until fully combined.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Mix with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add a little flour as needed to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much, as the dough should remain slightly tacky.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a large, greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean tea towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape or roll it as desired for your specific pastry recipe (e.g., cinnamon rolls, braided bread, or sweet buns).
Prepare the shaped dough according to your chosen pastry recipe, adding fillings or toppings as needed. Let the shaped dough rise again for 20-30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and cooked through.
Cool the baked pastries on a wire rack before serving or adding glazes, if desired. Enjoy your pastry creations!
Calories |
2862 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.3 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.4 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 525 mg | 175% | |
| Sodium | 2613 mg | 114% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 481.8 g | 175% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.1 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 114.0 g | ||
| Protein | 73.5 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.7 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 437 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 24.4 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 1119 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.