Soft Homemade Bread Dough – Fluffy, Versatile, and Surprisingly Light

There’s something deeply satisfying about homemade bread—the smell, the texture, the warmth fresh from the oven. This Soft Homemade Bread Dough delivers all the goodness of bakery-style bread but is crafted with a lighter touch. Whether you’re making rolls, flatbreads, or sandwich loaves, this dough is soft, airy, and easy to work with. It’s the perfect base for countless creations, bringing homemade comfort without unnecessary heaviness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy – The texture is pillowy soft without feeling dense.
Lower in Fat – Uses minimal oil and smart ingredients to reduce calories.
Extremely Versatile – Ideal for dinner rolls, sandwich buns, flatbread, and more.
Beginner-Friendly – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it approachable for all skill levels.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat for extra fiber)
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tsp sugar or honey (to feed the yeast)
• Optional: light dusting of flour for kneading

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar (or honey), and yeast. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also knead with a dough hook in a stand mixer for about 4 minutes.

4. Let It Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Shape and Use
Punch down the dough and shape as desired—for rolls, flatbreads, or loaves. Let shaped dough rise for 20–30 more minutes before baking.

6. Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–25 minutes depending on shape and size, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 roll or portion)

Calories: 110
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

• Check the Water Temperature – Too hot and it kills the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate. Aim for about 110°F.
• Don’t Rush the Rise – Give the dough time to develop its soft texture.
• Sweeten Gently – Just a touch of sugar or honey helps activate the yeast and adds a slight richness.
• Double the Batch – This dough freezes beautifully after the first rise.

Why This Recipe Works

With just a few ingredients, this bread dough delivers a tender, fluffy texture that’s hard to resist. Using a small amount of oil and sweetener keeps it lighter than traditional recipes, while maintaining excellent elasticity and rise. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again—simple, flexible, and crowd-pleasing.

Soft, warm, and easy to make, this homemade bread dough is a staple you’ll love having on hand. Whether you’re baking rolls for dinner or prepping sandwich bread for the week, it gives you the satisfaction of homemade with a mindful, wholesome twist.