The Windowpane Test

How to know when your dough is properly kneaded with this simple test.

3 min2/16/2026
The Windowpane Test

How to Do It

  • ✕ Take a small piece of dough (golf ball size)
  • ✕ Gently stretch it between your fingers
  • ✕ Rotate and stretch until thin enough to see light through
  • ✕ If it tears before becoming translucent, knead more

What You're Looking For

Properly developed dough stretches into a thin, translucent membrane without tearing. You should be able to see your fingers through it.

When It Fails

If dough tears easily, it needs more kneading or more rest time. Try 5 more minutes of kneading or let it rest 20 minutes and test again.

Related

Tools You'll Use

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