Homemade Hamburger Buns

Ingredients

• 3 cups (15 oz) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup warm water (110 to 120°F)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 large egg, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for topping)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Pour in water, then add 1 room temperature egg and the butter. Roughly stir together with a spatula, then use the hook attachment to knead on medium-low speed until the dough is fairly smooth and elastic, about 3 to 5 minutes. If needed, add up to 6 tablespoons additional flour.
3. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover (spray plastic wrap with oil and place oiled side down) and let rest until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Punch the dough down all over to remove large air pockets. Divide into 10 equal portions.
5. Pull and tuck the corners and edges under a few times to shape each portion into a ball over a floured surface.
6. Transfer the 10 dough balls to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing evenly. Slightly flatten each with your hand into a 2 2/3-inch circle.
7. Cover and let rest until at least doubled or nearly tripled in volume, about 45 to 60 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F during the last 15 minutes of rising.
9. Very gently brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash, being careful not to deflate them.
10. If desired, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds.
11. Bake until golden brown on top and cooked through, about 13 to 16 minutes.
12. Let cool on a wire rack, then slice in half when ready to serve.