Elevate your burger experience with these soft, fluffy, and buttery homemade hamburger buns. Perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a gourmet sandwich, these buns are surprisingly easy to make and far superior to store-bought versions.Fox and Briar+6Handle the Heat+6Allrecipes+6
🧾 Ingredients
- Warm water: ¾ cup (110°F/43°C)
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
- Active dry yeast: 1 packet (2¼ tsp)
- All-purpose flour: 3½ cups
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, softened
- Salt: 1¼ tsp
- Eggs: 2 large (one for the dough, one for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds: Optional, for toppingYouTube+11Preppy Kitchen+11The Feathered Nester+11Fresh Milled Mama+2Cooking Classy+2Serious Eats+2
👩🍳 Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the dough: Add flour, softened butter, salt, and one egg to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium-low speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.Preppy Kitchen
- First rise: Lightly oil the dough and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the edges underneath. Place the shaped dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Second rise: Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffed and nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Apply the egg wash: Gently brush the tops of the risen buns with the egg wash. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.Preppy Kitchen
- Bake the buns: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Measuring flour: For accuracy, use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour. If measuring by volume, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.Preppy Kitchen
- Dough consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Rising environment: If your kitchen is cool, create a warm environment for the dough to rise by placing it in an oven with the light on or near a warm appliance.
- Storage: Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns and toast them when ready to use.
These homemade hamburger buns are the perfect complement to your favorite burgers, sandwiches, or even as a base for sliders. Their soft texture and rich flavor will elevate any meal.