Homemade Hamburger Buns

Homemade Hamburger BunsPhoto byGin Lee

If you're having a problem finding hamburger buns in the local grocery store or just prefer homemade buns over store-bought, then here's a recipe to help you create your own very delicious homemade buns. You can also use this same recipe to create homemade hot dog buns. Instead of shaping the sections of dough into round pieces, shape each piece of dough to the length that you'd need for hot dogs.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1/2 cup canola oil or melted butter plus extra melted butter to grease the pan and to be used to brush over the tops of the rolls
• 1/4 cup of granulated Splenda or sugar (use less if you prefer, but the dough needs at least 2 tablespoons).
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 3-1/2 to 4 cups of all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Dissolve 2 1/2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Allow the yeast to bloom for about 2 to 5 minutes.

Once the yeast has proofed and is ready to use, add it, along with 1/2 cup of canola oil or melted butter and 1/4 cup of granulated Splenda or sugar, to a large mixing bowl. Stir. 

Now, add 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt and 3-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the sweetened yeast mixture. Combine the ingredients well with a wooden spoon or with your hands. Should your dough be too sticky, add additional flour. If your dough isn't wet enough, add additional water.

Next, knead the prepared dough while it's in the bowl for 5 minutes. Rub the dough with a small amount of canola oil or melted butter. Then cover the bowl with a tea towel and allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes.

After the 30-minute wait time is over, your dough should be doubled.

Now, pinch the dough into 12 pieces (8 if you prefer larger hamburger buns). Roll each section of dough into uniform, round shapes with your hands.

Lightly grease two baking sheets with melted butter.

Place the prepared pieces of dough about two inches apart on the greased pans. Slightly flatten each one with your fingertips. Now allow the pieces of dough to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. Each section of dough should rise again. Brush the tops of the dough pieces with melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you prefer sesame seed buns.

Transfer the pans to a 375-degree oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden. Then remove the pans from the oven.

Allow your hamburger buns to cool on a wire cooling rack. Then slice each bun through the center.