Simple Sweet Dough

Photo: flickr user rafeejewell

Ingredients

4 tablespoons sugar, divided

1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 F)

3 cups cups unbleached all-purpose flour, spooned in and leveled

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sticks unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes, plus 1 soft

Combine 1 tablespoon of sugar and warm water in a warmed small bowl.

Sprinkle the yeast over the water.

Cover the bowl with a saucer and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes.

Stir briefly, cover again.

Let is stand for 2 to 3 minutes more, until bubbly.

Mix on low speed 3 cups of flour, remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar, and the salt with the paddle attachment.

Add the slightly firmed cubed butter and continue to mix until meal-size crumbs form (2-4 minutes).

Mix the milk, egg yolks, and vanilla with a fork.

Add the milk mixture to the flour, along with the yeast mixture and combine on low speed for 15 seconds.

Stop the mixer and scrap down the side of the bowl witih a rubber spatula.

Mix on low speed for another 30 seconds, or until a smooth, soft dough is formed.

Lightly grease a bowl and place the dough in it.

Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the top. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight

Can be kept for up to 3 days.

A yeast master dough that can be used as basis for many other recipes, including coffee cakes, cinnamon rolls, stollens and many other pastries

2.0 pounds of dough

Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 6:07pm