Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110 ̊F)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 Tbsp instant yeast (rapid rise)
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (400g) (plus more as needed)
Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds (or Everything Bagel Seasoning)
Instructions
- Hydrate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine warm water, room temperature egg, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk together vigorously for 1 minute to activate and hydrate the yeast.
- Make the dough: Add softened butter and most of the flour (reserve about 1-2 Tbsp). Using a firm spatula or dough hook attachment, mix just until ingredients come together. Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but not cling to clean, dry fingertips. Add more flour if too sticky.
- First rise: Cover the dough with lightly oiled plastic wrap and place in a warm environment (around 100 ̊F is ideal, such as an oven with the light on) to rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or at room temperature for about 2 hours, until it doubles in size.
- Shape buns: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface. Divide into 8 equal portions (about 100 grams each). Cup your hand around each piece and gently roll into smooth balls, shrinking any dimples underneath.
- Second rise: Arrange dough balls evenly spaced on a silicone or parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each to a 3 to 3 1/2 inch diameter. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until visibly puffed, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 ̊F near the end of rising.
- Prepare egg wash and bake: Beat together the remaining egg and water. Brush the egg wash generously over the buns’ tops and sides. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning if desired. Bake in the preheated 400 ̊F oven for 15 to 16 minutes or until the buns develop a deep golden color.
- Cool and store: Transfer buns to a cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing in half with a serrated knife. Store covered until ready to use.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg for better yeast activation and dough development.
- Do not add excessive flour, dough should be slightly sticky for soft buns.
- The two rises are essential for fluffy texture—do not rush.
- Softened butter should be pliable but not melted.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and ensure egg wash is adjusted or omitted.
- Buns can be frozen after baking; thaw completely before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-16 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
