Homemade Hamburger Buns

Soft, fluffy, and golden brown, these Homemade Hamburger Buns are so much better than store-bought! They’re tender on the inside, slightly chewy on the outside, and have that perfect bakery-style flavor that takes any burger or sandwich to the next level.

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ¾ cup warm water (heated to 105°F / 40°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp. instant yeast (rapid rise)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1½ tsp. table salt

For Brushing Before Baking

• 3 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter
• 1 egg, mixed with 1 Tbsp. water (egg wash)
• Sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning, for topping

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Instructions

1. Mix the Dough
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all the dough ingredients — flour, warm water, sugar, butter, oil, yeast, egg, and salt. Mix until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead
   Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 6–8 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel tacky but not overly sticky.
3. First Rise
   Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Divide the Dough
   Gently punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a clean surface and divide into 8 equal portions (about 100 grams each).
5. Shape the Buns
   Shape each piece into a smooth ball by tucking the dough under and pinching at the bottom. Roll gently under your palm to form a round, smooth top.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet
   Place the dough balls, seam side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave a few inches of space between each.
7. Second Rise
   Gently press each ball into a 3-inch circle with your palm. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for 1 hour, until puffy.
8. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each bun with melted butter, then brush with egg wash to help toppings stick. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
9. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool and Serve
    Brush the hot buns with the remaining melted butter (reheat briefly if needed). Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
    Once cooled, slice horizontally with a serrated knife before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-quality results at home — soft, golden, and flavorful.
• Simple ingredients — all pantry staples, no special flour needed.
• Perfect texture — tender yet sturdy enough to hold juicy burgers.
• Freezer-friendly — make once, enjoy for weeks.

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Tips

• Check your water temperature: It should be warm (around 105°F), not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.
• Knead long enough: Smooth, elastic dough means well-developed gluten — key to fluffy buns.
• For shiny tops: Double-brush with egg wash for that bakery sheen.
• Cool completely before slicing: Warm buns can deflate or tear when cut.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Buns: Substitute up to 1½ cups of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Herb Buns: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (like rosemary or oregano) to the dough.
• Sweet Buns: Increase sugar to ⅓ cup and skip the sesame seeds for soft sandwich rolls.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or just vegetable oil in place of butter.
• Mini Slider Buns: Divide dough into 12 pieces and bake 12–14 minutes.

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FAQs

Can I make these without a stand mixer?
Yes! Mix with a spoon, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy.

Can I make the dough ahead?
You can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and continuing.

How do I store them?
Keep cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes — use the same amount, but dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Use these buns for homemade burgers, pulled chicken, or grilled veggie sandwiches.
• Toast lightly and serve with butter and jam for breakfast.
• Make mini sandwiches or sliders for parties.
• Pair with coleslaw, potato wedges, or grilled corn for the perfect meal.