I do all my bread kneading and shaping on parchment paper sprinkled with flour. I don't like to have the mess on my counter top to clean up. My counter tops are butcher block so it seems to be room temp. I let my dough rise in a pre heated low warmed oven.

Tip: If parchment paper won't lay flat, wad it up and then smooth it out. Lays flat on the counter and on a cookie sheet.

I just turn on the oven light,it warms the oven very well also the dough. Did just the light to rise my pizza dough on Sunday.

Thanks, everyone, for the info. Interesting how we always make do!

What kind of yeast do you use?

You got lots of great advice already.

I have an oversized wooden cutting board that I use for kneading bread dough and rolling pie crust. My house is on the cools side and I never have any problem with dough rising. If the room is too cold, it will take longer for the dough to rise, but it will eventually rise, even in a fridge.

I too, make cinnamon buns the night before and leave in the fridge overnight.

I also keep yeast in the fridge or freezer, it does not harm the yeast for it to be kept cold. I use a brick of yeast every 6 months or so.

I let my dough rise in the microwave. Works perfectly. I make the dough in the biggest Tupperware bowl I have. (Holds a gallon or two. Large "That's A Bowl"?) Then I put a large glass of water into the microwave and get it boiling. Set this hot glass of water into the back corner and put the bowl of dough into the microwave. Close the door and set a timer. The dough rises faster in this warm moist environment.
If it starts to run over, it makes a mess, but it doesn't hurt the dough. Don't ask me how I know that. That's why I use the timer.

I love making dough and appreciate all these great ways to make it rise!
Sorry I have no advice about cold counters though.

Holy Cow! How big is that microwave?

I knead the bread dough in my Kitchen Aid mixer with a dough hook. I turn my oven light on,and its warm enough to rise the bread without any heat setting.

My microwave is large enough to cook a small turkey in it...up to about 16 pounds. Just 15 minutes, turn, repeat until all sides are done. Put paprika on the turkey before putting it in the microwave. Use to do it before we took our youngest to the baby sitter before school started. She wanted some food for him from time to time and that was quick and easy to do. I only used butter ball turkeys.

I do the same thing and I also use my microwave when I make cultured vegetables...it's a nice cozy environment. We no longer use the microwave for cooking because of the negative effects on the nutrition in the food, so I'm pleased to have a use for it.