How to Knead Dough
Learn how to knead dough in this easy step by step tutorial!
Ingredients
- 1 batch yeast dough
- 1 –2 tablespoons flour for dusting surface if needed
Instructions
Kneading Dough by Hand
- Lightly flour a clean countertop. Place the dough onto the surface.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you in one smooth motion.
- Fold the dough back over itself toward you.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn.
- Repeat the push, fold, and turn motion for 8–12 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Test the dough using the windowpane test. Stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without tearing, it is properly kneaded.
Kneading Dough with a Stand Mixer
- Attach the dough hook to your mixer. Mix the dough on medium-low speed.
- Knead for 5–8 minutes (or as directed by the recipe), stopping occasionally to check the texture. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and feel soft and elastic.
- Perform the windowpane test to confirm gluten development.
Video
Notes
- Properly kneaded dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky — not sticky or dry.
- Underkneaded dough will look rough and tear easily.
- Overkneaded dough may feel tight, stiff, and difficult to shape.
- Avoid adding too much flour during kneading, as this can lead to dense bread.