Paul Hollywood's Top Tip To Avoid Sticky Hands While Kneading Dough

Why oil works to prevent sticky hands

If you don’t bake often, you’re likely aware of the common technique of sprinkling flour on your hands, work surface, and rolling pin to prevent sticking. For those who bake regularly, you understand that using too much flour can significantly alter the flavor and texture of your dough. But doesn’t oil pose the same issues, if not more? Paul Hollywood suggests that oil is a better option since it won’t affect the dough’s consistency. Additionally, if your dough is going to rise in the fridge, a light layer of oil around it can help avoid a tough crust.

However, you should avoid soaking your dough in oil, as excess of any ingredient can change the outcome of your recipe. If you’re concerned about adding too much oil, consider lightly oiling just your hands while continuing to roll out your dough on a floured surface as you normally would. This way, you won’t waste time trying to remove dough from your fingers (and if you do need to scrape, a lightly floured or oiled bench scraper can be very helpful). Lastly, if your go-to dough recipe feels stickier than usual, it may simply need a little more resting time. Once your dough is ready, try Hollywood’s suggestion to see if oil helps alleviate any stickiness.