Classic Homemade Burger Buns
This recipe yields soft, pillowy hamburger buns perfect for crafting your next gourmet burger.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Sharp knife
- Rolling Pin (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 420 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon 9 grams instant yeast
- ¾ cup 170 grams lukewarm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons 28 grams unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup 50 grams granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoons table salt
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon milk or water for egg wash, optional
- Sesame seeds for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar.
- Activate the yeast: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Add the softened butter and salt. Knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or use your stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Expert Tip: If the dough feels sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes manageable but not dry.
- First rise: Place the dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball.
- Beginner Tip: You can use a kitchen scale for even-sized buns. Each piece should be around 50 grams.
- Second rise: Place the dough balls seam-side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, leaving 2-3 inches between them. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Egg wash (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water for an egg wash. Brush the tops of the risen buns gently with the egg wash. This creates a golden brown sheen after baking.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle the tops of the buns with sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the buns cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade burger buns!
Notes
For richer buns, use whole milk instead of water in the dough.
You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the granulated sugar.
Leftover buns can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.