Description

These homemade soft hamburger buns are fluffy, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold juicy burgers. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they offer a bakery-quality texture that is perfect for summer grilling or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup warm milk (whole or 2%)
2 packets active dry yeast (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, room temperature
3 to 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Vegetable oil (for greasing bowl)
Egg wash or melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in the melted butter and beaten egg until the mixture is creamy and slightly bubbly.
Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mixture. Start with 2 cups of flour, then switch to hands to knead.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, passing the windowpane test.
Place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down dough to release air. Divide into 8 equal pieces and roll into smooth balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover buns loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes.
Brush tops with melted butter or egg wash. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure milk is warm (around 110°F) but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Do not add too much flour during kneading as it can make buns dense. For a shiny finish, brush with egg wash or butter before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 225
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 350
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: hamburger buns, soft bread, homemade buns, yeast dough, burger buns, easy bread recipe, summer grilling