Crazy Dough Recipe for Pizza, Cinnamon Rolls & More!

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This versatile dough is your go-to base for everything from cheesy pizza to sweet cinnamon rolls and fluffy dinner rolls—all with one simple dough recipe.

  • Servings: Makes dough for multiple recipes

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes | Rise Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

  • Dietary Tags: Vegetarian • Multi-purpose • Freezer-friendly

✅ Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups warm milk or water

  • 2 tbsp sugar

  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 3 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive, or canola)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  1. Mix the Dough

  • In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

  • Gradually add warm milk or water and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

  1. Let the Dough Rise

  • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

  1. Shape the Dough

  • Punch the dough down to release air. Divide into portions for your chosen recipe (pizza, cinnamon rolls, etc.).

  1. Bake or Cook as Desired

  • Use dough for pizza, cinnamon rolls, bread, or dinner rolls as instructed in respective recipes.

  1. Enjoy the Versatility

  • Experiment with different uses—this dough is perfect for savory and sweet recipes!

💡 Notes

  • For pizza: Roll out the dough, add toppings, and bake until golden and bubbly.

  • For cinnamon rolls: Roll the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, slice, and bake.

  • If making ahead, freeze the dough for later use. Simply thaw before using.

  • Make sure to let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for best results.

II. Brief Introduction

This Crazy Dough Recipe is a game changer in the kitchen! Whether you’re craving cheesy pizza, warm cinnamon rolls, or homemade dinner rolls, this dough will cover it all. It’s simple, flexible, and works beautifully for a wide range of recipes. You’ll be amazed at how much you can do with just one dough recipe!

III. Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Mix the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

  • Gradually add the warm milk or water and oil, stirring to form a soft dough.

  • If it feels too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.

2. Let It Rise

  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and place in a warm spot to rise. It should double in size after about 1 hour.

3. Shape the Dough

  • Punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into portions for your specific recipe—whether you’re making pizza, cinnamon rolls, or bread.

4. Bake or Cook

  • For pizza, roll out the dough, add toppings, and bake. For cinnamon rolls, roll out, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar, roll up, slice, and bake.

  • Whatever recipe you choose, the dough will bake into a light, fluffy, and golden delight!

IV. Ingredient Details & Substitutions

Why These Ingredients Work

  • Flour: All-purpose flour gives the dough a soft, elastic texture.

  • Instant yeast: Ensures a quick rise without the need for proofing.

  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances the dough’s flavor.

  • Oil: Adds moisture and richness, creating a tender crumb.

Substitutions

  • Milk: If you’re dairy-free, swap with almond milk or coconut milk.

  • Oil: Use olive oil for a mild, fruity flavor or butter for a richer dough.

  • Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be substituted to make this dough gluten-free.

V. Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic Bread: Turn the dough into a simple garlic bread by rolling it out, brushing with butter, and sprinkling with garlic and parsley before baking.

  • Sweet Rolls: Roll the dough into a log, spread with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, slice, and bake for gooey, cinnamon-packed rolls.

  • Stuffed Pizza Rolls: Roll out dough, stuff with pizza fillings (cheese, pepperoni, olives), and bake until golden.

Pairing Ideas:

  • Serve with a side salad and marinara sauce for dipping with pizza.

  • Pair cinnamon rolls with hot coffee or a fresh fruit compote for a cozy brunch.

VI. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: The dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just punch it down and allow it to come to room temperature before using.

  • Freezing: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

  • Leftovers: Keep baked pizza or cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

VII. Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: ~150 kcal (per 1/8 pizza slice)

  • Carbs: ~30g | Protein: ~3g | Fat: ~3g

  • Sodium: ~150mg

  • Fiber: ~1g

  • Tags: Vegetarian, Freezer-Friendly

VIII. FAQs

Q: Can I use this dough for other recipes?
A: Yes! It’s great for breadsticks, empanadas, and even flatbreads.

Q: Can I freeze the dough after it’s risen?
A: Yes! Simply divide and freeze the dough before shaping. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.

Q: How do I know if the dough is ready to rise?
A: The dough should be doubled in size and feel soft and slightly sticky. If it’s not rising, the yeast might not be active, or the environment might be too cold.

IX. Author’s Note

This Crazy Dough recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for its versatility and ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a simple meal, this dough comes to the rescue every time. My family loves it for pizza nights and cinnamon rolls on lazy weekends—truly, it never disappoints.

X. Call-to-Action

Made this dough? I’d love to see what you create! Tag @KristyCookRecipes on Instagram, and share your pizza, rolls, or any tasty twist you’ve put on this recipe. Let’s keep experimenting and having fun in the kitchen!

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