Fluffy Homemade Buns

These fluffy homemade buns are soft, buttery, and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. They have a pillowy texture and a beautiful golden crust, making them a family favorite! With just a few ingredients and a little time, youโ€™ll have a batch of freshly baked buns that smell amazing and taste even better.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Ingredients:

  • 250 ml warm water
  • 250 ml warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 7 grams dry yeast (about 2ยผ teaspoons)
  • 50 grams butter, softened
  • 750-800 grams wheat flour, sifted (about 6-6ยฝ cups)
  • Sunflower oil, for greasing

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    In a large bowl, mix together warm water, warm milk, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
  2. Add Butter:
    Stir in the softened butter until fully incorporated into the liquid mixture.
  3. Add Flour:
    Gradually add sifted flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. Start with 750 grams of flour and add more as needed to get a smooth dough that isnโ€™t too sticky.
  4. Knead the Dough:
    Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball.
  5. First Rise:
    Lightly grease a bowl with sunflower oil and place the dough inside. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  6. Divide the Dough:
    Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
  7. Rest the Dough Balls:
    Place the dough balls on a lightly floured surface. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.
  8. Shape the Buns:
    After resting, flatten each ball slightly with a rolling pin and shape them into buns. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Second Rise:
    Cover the buns and let them rise in a warm place for 40-50 minutes, or until theyโ€™ve puffed up nicely.
  10. Preheat the Oven:
    While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 190ยฐC (370ยฐF).
  11. Add Butter for Flavor:
    Melt 50 grams of butter. Gently brush the tops of the buns with melted butter before baking.
  12. Bake the Buns:
    Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Rotate the tray halfway through for even browning.
  13. Cool and Serve:
    Remove from the oven and let the buns cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, or cool completely for storage.

Serving Suggestions:

  • These buns are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or alongside soups and stews.
  • Slice them in half and toast for a delicious breakfast with jam or butter.
  • Use them as the base for sliders or mini sandwiches at parties.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure your water and milk are warm (around 100-110ยฐF) to activate the yeast, but not too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
  • Sift the flour for a lighter, softer texture in the buns.
  • If your dough feels sticky while kneading, sprinkle a little extra flour on the surface, but avoid adding too much as it can make the buns dense.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • These buns provide a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Adding butter enhances the flavor and adds some healthy fats, contributing to the bunsโ€™ richness.
  • Using milk also adds calcium to the recipe.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian-Friendly: These buns contain dairy but no meat or animal by-products (except for butter).
  • Easily Adaptable: You can substitute the butter with margarine for a dairy-free version, and use plant-based milk if desired.

Nutritional Facts (per bun, approximate):

  • Calories: 230
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Storage Information:


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  • Room Temperature: Store the buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: These buns freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe:

  • These buns are light, fluffy, and incredibly versatile, perfect for any meal.
  • The soft texture makes them ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or dinner rolls.
  • Theyโ€™re easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for freezing or meal prep.
  • The homemade flavor is unmatched, and they smell divine while baking!

Conclusion

These fluffy homemade buns are a staple in any kitchen. With a soft and tender crumb, they are sure to become a favorite for your family. Whether youโ€™re making burgers, serving them with soup, or enjoying one with butter and jam, these buns hit the spot every time. The simple ingredients and easy-to-follow process make baking bread at home enjoyable and rewarding!


10 Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
    Yes, you can substitute part or all of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious bun. Keep in mind that they may be denser.
  2. Can I make these buns dairy-free?
    Absolutely! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
  3. How can I make sure the buns rise well?
    Ensure your yeast is fresh and your liquids are warm but not too hot. A warm, draft-free environment is best for rising.
  4. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes! You can freeze the dough after shaping it into balls. Let it thaw and rise before baking.
  5. Can I add seeds or herbs to the dough?
    Yes, you can mix in sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or herbs like rosemary to the dough before shaping.
  6. Can I make the buns larger or smaller?
    Absolutely! For larger buns, divide the dough into fewer portions, and for smaller buns, divide into more.
  7. Do I have to use sunflower oil?
    No, you can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil or olive oil to grease the bowl.
  8. How can I store leftover buns?
    Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  9. What can I serve with these buns?
    They are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or alongside soups, stews, and salads.
  10. Can I make these buns without yeast?
    Yeast is necessary for these fluffy buns, but you can try a no-yeast recipe for quick rolls if needed!