Soft Burger Buns
The ultimate comfort food, these Soft Burger Buns are fluffy, tender, and perfect for any meal. With a rich flavor and delightful texture, they elevate burgers and sandwiches to the next level. Whip up a batch tonight and experience the difference homemade makes!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup water lukewarm (not too cold or hot, more like your body temperature)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast instant
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons cold butter cut into 1/4 inch cubes
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (1/4 cup more or less depending on the type of flour and the level of humidity/dryness in your area)
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 1 egg beaten well
- 1 teaspoon water or milk or cream
Instructions
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients well before incorporating any wet ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- 2. Now, rub the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because the butter needs to be evenly incorporated, which will help create that desirable texture in the buns.
- 3. Set the dry mixture aside and grab a measuring cup. Measure out the lukewarm water, then add the sugar and yeast to it. Stir this mixture gently and allow it to sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. You should notice it becoming cloudy and possibly foaming, indicating that the yeast is activating.
- 4. Once the yeast is foamy, add in the egg and mix it well. This will be the wet mixture that brings everything together.
- 5. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Begin kneading the dough, either by hand or using a mixer. If kneading by hand, aim for about 4 to 6 minutes. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky to the touch, but it should not stick to your hands or the surface excessively.
- 6. After kneading, place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, dry place (like inside your oven while it’s turned off) for about 1 to 2 hours. Check back to see if it has doubled in size, which is a sign it’s ready for the next step.
- 7. Once the dough has risen, remove it from the oven and preheat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your buns will bake perfectly.
- 8. Shape your dough into the desired size and thickness of buns. Once shaped, cover them with plastic wrap again and let them rest for another 30 minutes while the oven is preheating. This additional rise will make them even fluffier!
- 9. Before placing the buns in the oven, brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if you’re using them. This will give your buns a beautiful, golden finish.
- 10. Finally, bake the buns on a middle rack for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size, until they’re nice and golden. Once they’re baked, let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Know Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results. Expired yeast will not activate properly.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise fully. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy buns.
- Temperature Matters: Keep your water lukewarm—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold won’t activate it.
- Kneading Technique: If kneading by hand, keep your workspace slightly floured to prevent sticking but avoid adding too much flour.
- Storage: Store any leftover buns in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.