Homemade Hamburger Buns Recipe
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a homemade hamburger bun to elevate your burger game. Soft, slightly sweet, and perfectly golden, these buns are simple to make and ideal for any sandwich.
Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water
- 1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use, room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 3 to 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Additional butter and/or egg wash (for a shiny top)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the milk to 181°F (or just until small bubbles form on the sides, do not boil) in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat and pour into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt to the milk and stir until the butter is melted. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes or until it reaches 105-110°F.
- Step 3: While the milk mixture is cooling, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a large bowl and set aside for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the yeast mixture to the cooled milk. Beat the egg and add it in as well.
- Step 5: In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add 2 cups of flour and mix. Continue adding flour until you have a soft dough. Knead on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a large oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for about 90-100 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Step 7: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Shape each ball until about ½ inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Step 8: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk 1 egg white until foamy and add the cooled melted butter. Whisk to combine and brush the rolls with this egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Step 9: Bake the hamburger buns for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 10: Let the buns cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a softer crust, brush the buns with melted butter immediately after baking.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, knead the dough by hand for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Try topping the buns with poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning instead of sesame seeds for a flavorful twist.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for chewier buns.
Storage
Store cooled buns in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen buns by thawing at room temperature and warming briefly in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast by proofing it in the warm water with sugar for 5-10 minutes until foamy before mixing with the milk and other ingredients.
How do I keep the buns soft?
Brushing the baked buns with melted butter while still warm helps keep the crust soft. Also, storing them in an airtight container prevents drying out.
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Homemade Hamburger Buns Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 hamburger buns 1x
Description
This recipe for homemade hamburger buns yields soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet buns perfect for any burger. Made with warm milk, yeast, butter, and a touch of sugar, these buns have a tender crumb and a shiny golden top, optionally sprinkled with sesame seeds. The process includes kneading dough to develop gluten, allowing it to rise twice for perfect texture, and baking to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided use, room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 to 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Milk: Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles form on the sides, reaching about 181°F but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and salt, stirring until the butter melts. Let the mixture cool to 105-110°F.
- Activate Yeast: In a separate bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the yeast mixture and beaten egg to the cooled milk mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add Flour and Knead: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add 2 cups of flour and mix, then gradually add more flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise for 90-100 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Buns: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, shaping each into a ball and flattening to about ½ inch thick and 3 inches in diameter. Place on the baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 60 minutes or until doubled.
- Prepare Egg Wash and Brush Buns: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it cool slightly. Whisk one egg white until foamy, then add the cooled melted butter and whisk to combine. Brush the buns with this egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Do not let the milk boil; it should just have small bubbles to prevent killing the yeast.
- Ensure the milk mixture is cooled to the right temperature before adding yeast to avoid killing it.
- The dough should be soft but not overly sticky; add flour gradually.
- You can store baked buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
- Optional: brush buns with melted butter after baking for extra softness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: homemade hamburger buns, burger buns recipe, soft bread buns, dinner rolls, baking bread
