Description
A recipe for soft, fluffy homemade hamburger buns that are perfect for any burger or sandwich. These buns have a lightly sweet flavor, a tender crumb, and a golden crust topped optionally with sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (15 oz) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg, mixed with 1 Tbsp water (for egg wash)
Optional
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until fully combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Knead: Pour in the warm water, then add the room temperature egg and unsalted butter. Roughly stir with a spatula to combine. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium-low speed until the dough turns smooth and elastic, about 3 to 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add up to 6 tablespoons additional flour.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with oiled wrap placed oiled side down and let it rest in a warm spot until it doubles in volume, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Deflate and Divide: Punch the dough down gently to release large air pockets. Divide into 10 equal portions.
- Shape Dough Balls: On a floured surface, pull and tuck the edges underneath a few times for each piece and shape into smooth balls.
- Second Rise on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slightly flatten each ball into a 2 2/3-inch circle with your hand.
- Cover and Proof: Cover the dough balls with a second baking sheet placed upside down to trap warmth and moisture. Let them rise until doubled or nearly tripled in size, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: During the last 15 minutes of proofing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your oven tends not to brown buns well, move the rack up one level from center.
- Apply Egg Wash: Very gently brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash (egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) taking care not to deflate the risen dough.
- Add Sesame Seeds: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds evenly on top of each bun.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the buns are golden brown on top and cooked through, about 13 to 16 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Transfer buns to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing in half and serving.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add extra flour up to 6 tablespoons while kneading.
- Ensure the water used is warm (110-120°F) to activate the yeast but not hot enough to kill it.
- Do not skip the second rise as it’s essential for light, airy buns.
- Use egg wash gently to keep buns fluffy and help achieve a shiny, golden crust.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice flavor and texture.
- You can substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of oil if preferred.
- Store buns in an airtight container once cooled; they keep well for up to 2 days at room temperature or can be frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
