Perfect Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns
Ingredients
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 7g (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 240ml (1 cup) warm milk (about 40°C or 104°F)
- 56g (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 15ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
- Egg wash: 1 egg beaten with 15ml (1 tbsp) water
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rising and baking time)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activates. This ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Add the softened butter, egg, and oil to the milk mixture. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well incorporated. Gradually add the flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: First Rising
Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Forming the Buns
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal pieces: eight pieces for hamburger buns or twelve pieces for hot dog buns. Roll each piece into a smooth ball or form into a cylinder shape for hot dog buns.
Step 5: Second Rising
Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece. Cover them loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Baking
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) during the second rise. Brush the buns with the egg wash for a shiny finish, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just made perfect, homemade hamburger and hot dog buns. Once cooled, these buns can be split and filled with your favorite ingredients, turning simple meals into delightful experiences. By baking your own buns, not only do you enjoy their superior taste and softness, but you also gain the satisfaction of crafting a key component of a great meal from scratch. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat flour or add herbs and spices to create your unique variety. Enjoy your baking journey!
