First off, let me say that I use a bread machine to do all the mixing and raising of the dough.
This recipe has been slightly modified for that purpose.
Homemade Hamburger Buns
Makes about 10-12 hamburger buns, depending on size.
Ingredients:
1 egg beaten a bit
2 Tablespoons melted butter (See instructions)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
Milk to equal 1-1/8 cups liquid total (plus a little additional if needed)
1-1/2 Tablespoons honey or 2 Tablespoons sugar (See instructions)
3 cups Bread Flour (plus a little additional if needed)
2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
Instructions:
1. Add the beaten egg, the butter, the salt and the honey (If you're using honey) to a Pyrex 2 cup measuring cup then add the milk to equal 1-1/8 cups total.
Place the measuring cup in a sauce pan filled with water (Similar to a double boiler thing.) and heat these ingredients to NO more then 100 F. DO NOT cook that egg.
Now add this warmed concoction to your machine.
2. Add the flour, the sugar (If you're using sugar) and the yeast, then set your machine on the Dough Cycle.
3. When done, turn out on a floured surface, roll out to 1/2″ thick then cut out 3-1/2" to 4" circles using a large biscuit cutter or muffin rings. You can also cut them square if you wish.
(I divide the dough into 12 equal parts and create each bun separately.)
4. Place the bun circles on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover then let rise again for about 45 minutes or until about doubled in size.
5. Bake at 375 F for about 13-15 minutes or until they reach a deep golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and immediately brush all sides of the hot buns with butter then move to a wire rack for final cooling.
(This will net you very soft, store bought type buns.)
NOTES:
A. You may need to add a little more milk or flour to get a firm dough ball. This is not a sticky wet dough recipe.
B. I do the final raise in my oven with the light on and don't pre-heat it. When done, I simply turn the oven to 375 F to get a little extra 'oven spring' to the buns.
C. If your bread maker calls for dry ingredients first, then by all means, do it that way.
Enjoy!