Ginger Free Classic Hamburger Buns

Total time2 hr 13 min

Prep time25 min

Cook time18 min

5.0

(25)

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. Store-bought buns often hide surprising add-ins and spice blends that can be a real headache to vet, so baking your own means you know exactly what's in every bite. The dough comes together with pantry staples — flour, butter, egg, yeast, sugar, and salt — so there's nothing unexpected lurking in the ingredient list. A two-stage rise gives the buns their airy, tender crumb, while the egg wash bakes up into that beautiful deep-golden color you usually only see at a good bakery. Flattening each ball before the second rise is the small trick that gives you that classic wide, flat bun shape, perfect for stacking a burger with all the toppings. Finish them with a scatter of sesame seeds if you like a little crunch and visual flair, or skip them for a clean, simple look. Once you pull these off a wire rack and smell that fresh bread, going back to the grocery store version is going to feel like a real step down.

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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.

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