(Soft, Fluffy, and Perfect for Any Burger!)
Servings: 8 buns
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Proofing Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp (25g) sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (60ml) warm milk
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbly. This means your yeast is alive and kicking!
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, butter, and egg to the flour mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook if you prefer less hands-on work.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. (This is a good time to get your burger patties ready!)
- Shape the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Gently flatten each ball into a disc about 3-4 inches wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each bun.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Preheat the Oven and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If you like, you can brush the tops of the buns with a little egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) for a shiny finish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the buns cool on a wire rack before slicing. They’re ready to hold your juicy burgers!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. Think warm bath, not boiling water.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place—your kitchen counter or a cozy oven with just the light on will do the trick.
DON’T:
- Overwork the dough. You just need to knead it enough to bring it together. Too much kneading can result in dense buns.
- Skip the second rise! It’s essential for that fluffy texture.
Pro Tips:
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Just shape the buns the next day and bake as usual.
- Add Flavor: Mix some herbs (like rosemary or garlic powder) into the dough for an extra twist!
- For a Crispy Bottom: Place a pan of water in the bottom of the oven while baking to create steam, which helps the buns stay soft and light.
These Homemade Burger Buns will take your burgers to the next level—soft, buttery, and perfectly pillowy! They’re a total crowd-pleaser and a great way to elevate any burger night. 🍔✨
