Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of baking powder.

Add the olive oil and 1/2 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms and most of the flour is incorporated.

Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and cohesive. If the dough is too sticky, add a tiny bit more flour; if it's too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water at a time.

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to your desired thickness (about 1/4 inch for a 12-inch pizza). You can also stretch it by hand if you prefer.

Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a lightly floured or parchment-lined baking sheet, or directly onto your preheated pizza stone.

Promptly add your favorite pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings. Do not let the dough sit for too long before baking.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Cooking time may vary based on your oven and topping thickness.

Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then slice and serve immediately.