Making delicious buns at home is simple and rewarding! Here’s a straightforward recipe to guide you through the process. This recipe yields about 12 soft buns.

Making delicious buns at home is simple and rewarding! Here’s a straightforward recipe to guide you through the process. This recipe yields about 12 soft buns.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
• For the Topping:
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir until a rough dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

1. Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
2. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shape the Buns

1. Punch Down: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air.
2. Divide: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by tucking the edges underneath to create a smooth top.
3. Second Rise: Place the shaped buns on a greased baking sheet, spaced apart. Cover them again and let them rise for about 30 minutes.

4. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the buns are rising.

5. Prepare for Baking

1. Egg Wash: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the buns. This will give them a nice golden color. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top.

6. Bake the Buns

• Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

7. Cool and Serve

• Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh, or store them in an airtight container.

Tips

• Flavor Variations: You can add herbs, cheese, or spices to the dough for added flavor.
• Storage: These buns can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade buns as a side dish, for sandwiches, or simply with butter!