Burger Buns

Thumbnail of Burger Buns recipe

Published

Prep Time: 15m – 20m
Prove: 1h – 1h 30m
Final Prove: 45m – 1h 15m
Cook: 15m – 20m

Serves

These soft, fluffy burger buns use a tangzhong (a simple flour-and-milk paste) to help the dough stay moist and tender for days. They’re light, slightly sweet, and perfectly shaped for homemade burgers. The result is a bun that’s sturdy enough to hold toppings and sauces, yet pillowy-soft when you bite into it.

Ingredients

  • Tangzhong

    • 20g bread flour
    • 30g Water
    • 60g milk

  • Dough

    • 320g bread flour
    • 120g milk
    • 9g yeast
    • 7g salt
    • 35g sugar
    • 40g butter
    • 1 egg
    • 1 egg yolk

  • Egg Wash

    • 1 egg
    • splash milk

Instructions

  • Make the Tangzhong

    1. In a small saucepan, combine 20g bread flour, 30g water, and 60g milk.
    2. Whisk together until smooth, with no lumps.
    3. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency (about 1–3 minutes).
    4. Remove from heat and let cool to just warm

  • Make the Dough

    1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine 320g bread flour, 35g sugar, 7g salt, 9g yeast.
    2. Add the cooled tangzhong, 120g milk, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk.
    3. Mix until a rough dough forms.
    4. Add 40g softened butter and knead until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky (about 8–12 minutes in a mixer, or 12–15 minutes by hand).

  • First Rise

    1. Form the dough into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
    2. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1–1.5 hours depending on room temperature).

  • Shape the Buns

    1. Gently deflate the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (or 6 for larger buns).
    2. Shape each piece into a smooth, tight ball.
    3. Place onto a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
    4. Lightly cover and let rise again until puffy and almost doubled (about 45–75 minutes).

  • Egg Wash & Bake

    1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    2. Whisk 1 egg with a splash of milk to make your egg wash.
    3. Gently brush the tops of the risen buns.
    4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Cool

    1. Allow buns to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy!