Description

These homemade hamburger buns are soft, pillowy, and have a chewy crust thanks to a unique milk bath technique. They are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and perfect for burgers or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 packets instant yeast (about 4 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup whole milk (for milk bath)
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
2–3 tablespoons sesame seeds
Coarse salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and one egg. Whisk until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Ensure mixture is lukewarm.
Add instant yeast and stir gently. Add salt and half of the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
Gradually add remaining flour, one cup at a time, until dough pulls away from sides of the bowl and is tacky but not sticky.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Punch down risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a tight ball and place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Cover loosely and let rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and jiggly.
While buns rise, bring 1 cup of milk to a gentle boil in a large pot, then reduce to a simmer.
Carefully lower buns into the milk for 30 seconds per side using a slotted spoon, then return them to the baking sheet.
Brush tops with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds and coarse salt.
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-18 minutes until deeply golden brown and internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter for extra softness.

Notes

For gluten-free options, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free versions, substitute coconut milk and olive oil. Ensure yeast is fresh and not expired. Do not refrigerate bread as it speeds up staling; freeze instead for long-term storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bun
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 250
Fat: 3
Saturated Fat: 1.5
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: hamburger buns, homemade bread, soft buns, milk bath buns, burger recipe, yeast bread, easy baking