What is enriched dough?

Enriched dough is a dough that contains more ingredients than just flour, water, and yeast. These additional ingredients can include sugar, eggs, milk, butter, shortening, and spices. Enriched dough is often used to make breads, pastries, and other baked goods that are meant to be soft, sweet, and flavorful.

The added ingredients in enriched dough make it more tender, richer, and flavorful than basic dough. Sugar adds sweetness, eggs provide protein and moisture, milk and butter add richness, and shortening makes the dough more tender. Spices can add additional flavor and aroma to the dough.

Enriched dough is typically made using a "sponge dough" method. In this method, the yeast is dissolved in a portion of the warm liquid and then mixed with a small amount of flour to form a sponge. The sponge is then allowed to ferment for a period of time, which allows the yeast to grow and produce gas. The remaining ingredients are then added to the sponge and the dough is kneaded until smooth and elastic.

Enriched dough can be used to make a variety of breads and pastries, including:

* Breads: Brioche, challah, cinnamon bread, and egg bread

* Pastries: Croissants, Danish pastries, and doughnuts

* Other baked goods: Buns, rolls, and muffins

Enriched dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create delicious and flavorful baked goods. It is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a sweet and indulgent treat.