Tree Nut Free Soft Hot Dog Buns
Homemade hot dog buns are one of those small kitchen projects that pays off in a big way — soft, pillowy, and just slightly sweet, they make every cookout feel a little more special. Store-bought buns often come from facilities that process tree nuts, so making your own is a genuinely smart move if you're navigating that concern. The ingredient list here is beautifully simple: milk, flour, egg, butter, yeast, sugar, and salt — nothing hidden, nothing to second-guess. The real magic happens when you add the softened butter one tablespoon at a time during kneading, which gives the dough that tender, enriched crumb that holds up to a loaded hot dog without falling apart. A milk wash before baking delivers that gorgeous golden top that looks like it came straight from a bakery. These buns bake up light and slightly chewy, with just enough structure to cradle your favorite toppings. Once you've made a batch, going back to the bagged version is going to feel like a serious downgrade.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
For the dough
- ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°f (43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
For brushing
- 2 tbsp whole milk, for brushing
Instructions
- 1
Combine the warmed milk, 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 — this confirms the yeast is active.
- 2
Add the flour, salt, 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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