bread

Hamburger Buns - Soft Classic

These soft, golden hamburger buns are sturdy enough for juicy smashburgers yet tender enough to feel bakery-made. Made with warm milk, butter, egg, and just a touch of sugar, they bake up pillowy with a delicate crumb and lightly glossy top. Perfect for burgers, pulled pork, or fried chicken sandwiches, these RizzieFarms buns toast beautifully without falling apart.

Servings: 8 standard hamburger buns
Total Time: 128 min
Pan: Sheet pan lined with parchment

Ingredients

Dough
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter
Finish
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing after baking)
Soft Classic Hamburger Buns

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a mixing bowl. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
    If the mixture does not foam, the yeast may be inactive—start over with fresh yeast.
  2. Make the dough Add the egg, softened butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
    The dough should be soft but not sticky. Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
  3. First rise Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
  4. Shape buns Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions (about 90 grams each). Shape into tight balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Flatten slightly.
    Flattening helps create the classic burger bun shape.
  5. Second rise Cover loosely and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.
  6. Bake Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches about 190°F.
    Do not overbake or buns may dry out.
  7. Finish and cool Brush warm buns lightly with melted butter for extra softness. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • For ultra-soft buns, replace 1/4 cup flour with potato flour.
  • For brioche-style richness, add 1 extra egg yolk.
  • Toast cut sides in butter before assembling burgers.
  • Weighing dough portions ensures evenly sized buns.

Tags

bread hamburger buns burger sandwich bread baking yeast bread homemade