Description
These homemade hamburger buns are soft, fluffy, and lightly golden with a beautiful sheen from an egg wash. Perfect for BBQs, burgers, or sandwiches, this recipe uses warm milk and water to activate instant yeast, creating a tender crumb with a slightly sweet flavor. Sesame seeds add an optional classic touch on top.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 3/4 - 3 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Egg Wash & Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, warm milk, instant yeast, sugar, egg, egg yolk, softened butter, 1 cup of flour, and salt. Whisk everything until well combined to start forming the dough.
- Knead the Dough: Add another cup of flour and mix until you get a shaggy dough. Knead for several minutes, adding small amounts of the remaining flour as needed until the dough is soft, slightly sticky, and no longer sticks to clean, dry fingertips. The gluten will develop, making the dough smoother and less sticky.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Buns: Punch down the dough, then divide it into 8 equal pieces (approximately 80 grams each). Roll each into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with your palm to about 3 to 3 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Second Rise: Loosely cover the shaped buns and let them rise again for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Egg Wash & Topping: Whisk together the egg and water (or milk) for the egg wash. Brush a thin, even layer over the buns. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes until they turn a golden brown color.
- Cool and Optional Butter Glaze: Transfer the buns to a cooling rack. For extra shine and softness, optionally brush the tops lightly with melted butter while still warm.
Notes
- The dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable — avoid adding too much flour, as it can make the buns dense.
- Warm water and milk help activate the yeast, so be sure to keep the liquids at around 110°F.
- Letting the buns rise twice ensures a fluffy texture.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Storing buns in an airtight container at room temperature keeps them soft for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
