How long should dough rise?

The answer

There is no single time, but a first rise at normal room temperature often takes around one to two hours, and rich or cold doughs take longer. Judge readiness by the dough rather than the clock: it should look puffy with visible bubbles, grow noticeably in volume, often about double, and feel light and airy. Warmth, the amount of yeast, and ingredients such as sugar and fat all change the pace. A refrigerated rise can take many hours or overnight.