What is the difference between a rich dough and a lean dough?

• A. Lean dough uses more sugar
• B. Rich dough has more fat
• C. Rich dough uses less yeast
• D. Lean dough is higher in moisture

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that the difference between rich and lean dough is defined by fat content and how it affects texture and tenderness. Rich dough includes a higher amount of fat (and often eggs and sugar), which enriches flavor and yields a softer, finer crumb. Lean dough uses little fat and sugar, so it relies more on gluten development for structure and tends to be firmer and chewier. Saying that rich dough has more fat captures the defining contrast, since fat is the ingredient that creates that richer, more tender character. Other factors like sugar, yeast, or moisture can vary but don’t define the category as clearly as fat does.