Beautiful Burger Buns
The following recipe created quite a stir when it was first posted on our message board page, www.bakingcircle.com. Baker after baker tried these buns and declared them THE BEST. Soft, vaguely sweet and golden-yellow from the butter and egg, these simple buns are perfect for burgers, but also fine for any kind of sandwich.
- 3/4 to 1 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
Directions
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1) Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients—by hand, mixer, or bread machine—to make a soft, smooth dough. |
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2) Cover the dough, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in bulk. |
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5) Bake the buns in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, till golden. Cool on a rack. |
Recipe summary
- Hands-on time:
- 25 mins.
- Baking time:
- 15 mins.
- Total time:
- 2 hrs 40 mins.
- Yield:
- 8 buns
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- Recipe comments (73) »
Tips from our bakers
- For best results (a smooth, slightly soft dough), use the smaller amount of water in summer (or in a humid environment), the greater amount in winter (or in a dry climate).
- When making anything with yeast, including these rolls, let the dough rise to the point the recipe says it should, e.g., "Let the dough rise till it's doubled in bulk." Rising times are only a guide; there are so many variables in yeast baking (how you knead the dough; what kind of yeast you use) that it's impossible to say that bread dough will ALWAYS double in bulk in a specific amount of time.
- What's the easiest way to shape buns? Gently deflate the dough, and form it into a smooth 8" log. Slice the log as though you were slicing cinnamon buns. Gently pull each slice into a circle.
- Brushing buns with melted butter will give them a soft, light golden crust. Brushing with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water to combine) will give them a shinier, darker crust. For seeded buns, brush with the egg wash; it'll make the seeds adhere.
Reviews
03/09/2010
Made these for burgers last week. Absolutely fabulous! Easy and definitely better than storebought and I know just what's in them. I used 1 ½ cups white whole wheat in mine and they were perfect. Making some into hotdog buns tonight...
03/06/2010
Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! I substituted KA Harvest Grains Blend for the sesame seeds. I double coated with the egg-wash first. I weighed mine. They were 3 oz. each. Next time I believe I will try making them 2 1/2 oz. Thanks from my husband and family, too.
02/22/2010
I have made these twice now and they are tasty and easy. However, they don't come out as "soft" as I think they should. I prefer them to be sturdier and denser anyways but still wonder why they aren't as soft looking as the photos. The recipe does not give an estimated kneading time though-the first time I kneaded by hand for 6 minutes and the dough seemed right. The second time I subbed some white whole wheat flour and bread flour (for extra chewiness) and kneaded for 10 minutes. They came out better the 2nd time. Can anyone tell me how long, by hand, I should be kneading for? The dough is soft and smooth so I don't know if my expectations for the final product are just flawed.
If kneading by hand, it is almost impossible to overknead. Try kneading for about 8 minutes, take a short break then knead for 10 more.If you lightly touch the ball of dough with your finger, leaving a slight imprint, it will spring back quickly when it is well kneaded. Mary@KAF
02/07/2010
I made these to go with BBQ at my Superbowl party and they were a huge hit!They are firm enough that they don't disintegrate under a lot of sauce and have a great flavor and just the right "chew".They would be fantastic for sloppy joes.I will make these very often now that I have tried them.
01/30/2010
The recipe was just soo gud.....after going through a tons of recipes this is the best i've come across. I've always use this recipe for burgers and hotdogs.
01/29/2010
These were very tasty! I gave these 4 stars. They were easy to make. Raised up nicely, and the dough was a pleasure to work with. The reason that I gave them 4 stars instead of 5 is, that the texture was a bit chewy and a tad bit tough. Amost as chewy as a soft sourdough bread. Not sure if it was my handling of the dough that caused the chewy texture, or if I used a bit to much water in making the dough? I used the full cup of water measurment and brushed the tops with melted butter. Did anyone else think that the buns were a bit chewy? As I mentioned, these were nice, easy to make, and tasty. They would be especially good with chili, or for BBQ. Beef; and very good made into hotdog rolls to use for chili dogs. I'll will certainly try them again. :) Best regards, Chris
01/16/2010
Well, I hope you guys are happy. Now I have to make HB buns every week! All kidding aside, we love this recipe! I make them weekly because DH refuses to take any other kind in his lunch. Love, love, love KA recipes. Thanks so much!
12/20/2009
I've made this recipe several times now. Its texture and taste is absolutely great!!! However, each and every time I've baked these buns I have difficulty in getting them to be the same size. And on yesterday, my dough was very elastic. I was not sure not sure if I was supposed to melt the butter or just add soft butter to the ingredients; but never the less the texture and taste came out perfect. KA bakers, how can I make these buns all the same size?
You get buns the same size either by using a measuring cup or weighing the dough. Molly @ KAF
11/16/2009
Best recipe for buns I've eaten. I will be making these any time I want a burger or slopy joe from now on. (Well, as long as my bread machine lasts anyway)
11/01/2009
These are THE BEST buns ever!!! Followed the very easy directions and mine looked exactly like the picture. My husband is out right now getting the grill fired up so we can use these for our burgers tonight. The smell these produce will make your mouth water. Thanks soooo much for the great recipe KAF.....I now know I will NEVER buy store bought buns again! Why should I when these are so simple to make myself?!! AWESOME!
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