Cover the bowl loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot and allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s soft, puffy, and full of air bubbles.
Step 4: Shape and Use
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Divide or shape the dough depending on what you’re making:
For pizza: Roll the dough into your desired crust shape, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until golden.
For rolls: Shape into balls and place in a greased baking pan. Let rise again for 30 minutes before baking.
For bread: Shape into a loaf, place in a greased loaf pan, and allow it to rise for 30 minutes.
For cinnamon rolls: Roll out the dough, spread with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then roll up and slice. Let rise for 30 minutes before baking.
Bake everything at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown — typically 20–25 minutes for rolls and 25–30 minutes for loaves or pizza crusts.