Crazy Dough Recipe for Pizza, Cinnamon Rolls, and More – The Ultimate All-in-One Dough!
If you’ve ever wished for a single dough recipe that could magically transform into pizza, cinnamon rolls, dinner rolls, breadsticks, or even stuffed buns, you’re about to meet your new kitchen hero: Crazy Dough. This versatile and easy-to-make dough is the secret weapon for home bakers who love flexibility without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s soft, airy, and slightly chewy—making it perfect for both savory and sweet creations.
Ingredients
(Makes enough dough for multiple recipes)
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm milk or water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
Why This Dough is Called “Crazy Dough”
It gets its name because you can literally turn it into anything. Want pizza tonight? Use part of the dough. Craving cinnamon rolls for breakfast tomorrow? Use the rest. You can shape, fill, flavor, and bake it in countless ways, all from one base recipe. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and comes together quickly with no complicated steps.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- If you’re not ready to bake right away (for example, if you’re making cinnamon rolls later), you can skip preheating for now.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk or water and the oil, mixing as you go.
- Stir until a soft, sticky dough starts to form. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour until it comes together.
Tip: Warm liquid helps activate the yeast quickly, which means faster rising and softer dough.
3. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- If kneading by hand feels tiring, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5–6 minutes on medium speed.
4. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it so all sides are coated with oil (this prevents drying out).
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Dough for Your Recipe
Here’s where the fun begins! Once your dough has risen:
- For Pizza:
Roll out the dough into your desired thickness, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly. - For Cinnamon Rolls:
Roll into a rectangle, spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, then roll up and slice. Place rolls in a greased baking dish, let them rise for another 20–30 minutes, and bake until golden brown (about 20–25 minutes). - For Dinner Rolls or Bread:
Divide the dough into equal pieces, shape into balls, and place on a baking tray. Let them rise for 20–30 minutes, then bake until golden (15–20 minutes). - For Stuffed Buns or Calzones:
Flatten portions of dough, fill with your desired savory or sweet filling, pinch the edges closed, and bake until puffed and golden.
6. Bake and Enjoy
Baking times will vary depending on the recipe you choose. Generally, smaller rolls bake faster (15–20 minutes), while pizzas and larger loaves take a bit longer. Always keep an eye on your dough and remove it when the crust is golden and the inside feels light.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crazy Dough
- Don’t kill the yeast: Make sure your milk or water is warm, not hot. Hot liquid can kill yeast and stop the dough from rising.
- Freeze for later: This dough freezes beautifully. Just shape it into a ball after the first rise, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Add extra flavor: For savory recipes, mix in dried herbs, garlic powder, or cheese into the dough. For sweet recipes, add a touch of vanilla extract or ground cinnamon.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Margherita Pizza
- Soft Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Garlic Butter Breadsticks
- Cheesy Calzones
- Sweet Nutella Swirls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: Varies by recipe
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: Enough for multiple recipes