Making the Most Moist Homemade Bread from Scratch
There’s something magical about homemade dough—the way it feels in your hands, how it fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma, and most importantly, the memories it creates. Today, I’m sharing a beloved family recipe that has been passed down and perfected over the years: My Aunt’s Special Dough.
No, it’s not sourdough bread… Does anyone want to gift us a starter?
This versatile dough is soft, fluffy, and easy to work with. Whether you’re making dinner rolls, pizza crusts, or cinnamon buns, this recipe will never let you down. My husband wanted to try something a little different—making it into a loaf of bread.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Foolproof & VERY beginner-friendly
- Soft, pillowy texture
- The perfect balance of sweet and savory
- Perfect for baking with kids or when you just want a nostalgic kitchen moment
What you need
- 2 cups warm water (not hot, but warmer than room temperature – think baby bath warm)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 2 packets active dry yeast (about 4½ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 7½ – 8 cups all-purpose flour
Let’s make the dough
- Activate the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, pour in the warm water. Microwave it for about 45 seconds if needed to get the right temp. Add the sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir well and give it a taste—it should be sweet but still slightly salty.
- Add the oil. Once your yeast mixture is well-blended, stir in the oil.
- Add the flour. Begin by adding 4 cups of flour. Mix it in with a spoon until it starts to come together.
- Form the dough. Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time. Keep mixing until the dough starts to form and pull away from the sides of the bowl. You’ll know it’s ready when it stops sticking to your hands and becomes soft and elastic.
- Let it rise. Cover the dough with a towel and let it sit in a warm area until it doubles in size—this usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your kitchen temperature.
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down and use it however your heart (or stomach) desires! Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown, or follow specific bake times for your chosen dish.
Tips for the process
- Be patient with the rising— good dough takes its time.
- If you’re using this for sweet recipes like cinnamon rolls, feel free to add a touch more sugar.
- For savory dishes like pizza, a sprinkle of Italian herbs goes a long way.
Whether it’s your first time making dough or your hundredth, this recipe will make you feel like you’re baking with love— and that’s because you are. From our kitchen to yours, happy baking!
Xo, Mel
Let me know in the video comments—what’s the first thing you’re making with My Aunt’s Special Dough? Guess what we made!
