Black Pepper Free Classic Hamburger Buns
Soft, pillowy, and golden-brown with a glossy egg-wash finish, these homemade hamburger buns are the kind of thing that makes a backyard cookout feel genuinely special. For anyone avoiding black pepper, store-bought buns can be a quiet minefield — many brands season their doughs or dust their equipment in ways that aren't obvious from the label. This recipe keeps things clean and straightforward, relying on yeast, flour, butter, egg, salt, and sugar to build all the flavor you need. The dough comes together beautifully with a stand mixer or by hand, and that slow rise is what gives each bun its tender, airy crumb. A simple egg wash creates that bakery-style shine, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch if you want it. Once you pull these off the rack and catch that fresh-bread smell, you'll wonder why you ever settled for the bag from the grocery store.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the dough
- 1 cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 ½ tsp fine salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the egg wash
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl). Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
- 2
Add the flour, salt, softened butter, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!