Homemade Hamburger Buns are something that you must make at least once. Just know that these tastier, healthier, often cheaper alternatives to spongy store-bought buns will have you hooked. You’ll never look back when you see how easy it is to make your own.
If using a stand mixer: place the water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar into the mixer bowl. Stir to combine. Allow to proof about 5 minutes. Add the remaining sugar, milk, and oil as well as the bread flour and salt. Mix with the dough hook for a few minutes until the dough forms a ball around the hook. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
½ cup water, 2 ½ teaspoon active dry yeast, 3 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 cup milk, ⅓ cup neutral oil, 4 cup bread flour, 2 teaspoon salt
If using the bread machine: place all the ingredients in the bread machine pan according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Program for “dough.”
If mixing the dough by hand: place the water, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar into a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Allow to proof about 5 minutes. Add the remaining sugar, milk, and oil as well as the bread flour and salt. Stir until the dough starts to come together. Remove the dough to a lightly oiled surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Bake the buns:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
When the dough is ready, remove it to a lightly oiled surface. Divide the dough into 12 or 16 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a flat round by pulling the dough around the sides and pinching it together on the underside. Place each piece on the prepared baking sheet and flatten it slightly with the palm of your hand. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow the buns to rise for 30 minutes.
If desired, brush the buns with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake the buns for 15 to 22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool them on a rack before serving.
1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Notes
You can wrap and store leftover buns in the freezer for up to a month.