Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread baking in your kitchen, and these homemade burger buns are soft, fluffy, buttery, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re planning burgers for the weekend, making sandwiches, or simply want warm bread fresh from the oven, this recipe delivers bakery-style buns with a beautiful golden top and pillowy texture inside. Once you try homemade buns, it’s hard to go back to store-bought!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm milk
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 extra egg + 2 tsp water (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the warm milk, yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir well and let the mixture sit for about 20–25 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining flour, remaining sugar, and salt.

Add the melted butter, egg, warm water, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If needed, add a small sprinkle of flour.

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Punch down the dough and divide it into 10–12 equal pieces depending on the size of buns you want.

Shape each piece into a smooth ball by pulling the dough underneath and pinching it closed at the bottom. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Gently flatten each one slightly with your hand.

Cover loosely and let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Whisk together the extra egg and water to make the egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and shiny.

Allow the buns to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes & Tips

• Warm milk helps create a softer bun texture, but make sure it’s not too hot or it can kill the yeast.
• If your dough feels sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until manageable.
• For slider buns, divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
• These buns freeze well. Store them in an airtight bag and thaw when needed.
• Brush the buns with melted butter after baking for an extra soft finish.

These homemade burger buns are soft, rich, and perfect for burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or breakfast sandwiches. Try them once and you may never buy store-bought buns again!