This soft, fluffy, and golden bread is made from a simple dough that’s easy enough for kids to help with. From mixing to kneading to shaping, little hands will love being part of the process. Baking bread becomes a fun family activity that ends with the best reward a warm loaf straight from the oven.
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Kids’ Easy Bread Dough (Fun Family Baking)
Soft, fluffy bread made from an easy dough that kids can help mix, knead, and shape. Perfect for family baking fun.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp salt
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until a dough forms.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or rolls, and place on a greased baking tray.
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate yeast. Let kids help shape fun bread rolls. For variety, add herbs, cheese, or garlic to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hr 30 min rising)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: DIY
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you already have in your pantry.
- Kid-friendly steps that make baking interactive and fun.
- Teaches kids patience while waiting for the dough to rise.
- Versatile recipe shape it into rolls, loaves, or mini breadsticks.
- Homemade bread is fresher and tastier than store-bought.
Tools and Preparation
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining flour and liquids.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To help kids measure with accuracy.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing without mess.
- Clean Countertop or Pastry Mat: For kneading and shaping.
- Loaf Pan or Baking Tray: Depending on whether you want a loaf or rolls.
- Damp Cloth or Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough as it rises.
Each tool is simple, but together they make bread baking easier for beginners and kids.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make Kids’ Easy Bread Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Stir until a dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf or rolls, and place on a greased baking tray.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Kids’ Easy Bread Dough
- Spread with butter or jam while still warm.
- Turn slices into sandwiches for a homemade lunch.
- Serve with soup for a cozy family dinner.
- Cut into sticks and dip into hummus or melted cheese.
- Use as the base for mini homemade pizzas.
Tips for Success
- Make sure water is warm, not hot, so the yeast activates properly.
- Knead the dough until elastic — this gives the bread a soft texture.
- Cover the dough tightly while rising so it doesn’t dry out.
- Let kids help shape rolls into fun designs like twists or knots.
- Tap the bottom of the bread — a hollow sound means it’s baked through.
Best Side Dishes
- Creamy tomato soup or vegetable soup.
- Fresh green salad for a light pairing.
- Grilled cheese made with homemade slices.
- Roasted chicken or beef stew for a hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Water too hot: Kills the yeast and prevents rising.
- Not kneading enough: Leads to dense bread instead of fluffy.
- Skipping the rise time: Dough needs time to double for the best texture.
- Adding too much flour: Makes bread dry. The dough should be slightly tacky, not stiff.
- Cutting too soon: Let bread cool a little to avoid gummy slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed bag or container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, or toast lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half the flour for the best texture.
Do I need a stand mixer?
No. This recipe is designed for hand mixing and kneading.
What if I don’t have olive oil?
Any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works fine.
How can kids help?
They can stir the ingredients, knead the dough, and shape fun rolls.
Can I add flavorings?
Yes. Try adding garlic powder, cheese, or herbs for variety.
Final Thoughts
Kids’ Easy Bread Dough is more than just a recipe. It’s a family experience that creates lasting memories in the kitchen. From the joy of watching dough rise to the pride of pulling golden bread out of the oven, this recipe makes baking both fun and delicious. Whether you shape it into loaves, rolls, or something creative, your kids will love every bite of bread they helped make.