Beautiful Hamburger Buns

With only 7 simple ingredients I am wondering why I waited so long to make these amazing hamburger buns. All it took was me thinking I had some hamburger buns in the freezer for dinner, which in fact I didn't, and not wanting to drag 4 kids to the store or call the husband, yet again to ask "could you please pick something up on your way home?" Soft and slightly sweet and a beautiful golden yellow, these buns would be perfect for not only burgers but chicken, ham, italian beef sandwiches or sloppy joes . Made smaller they would be excellent for mini sliders. Or, for those little picky eaters (which I'm sure none of you have) just slather them with some good old strawberry jam. They were simple to make and done in about 2 1/2 hours. Much easier and a lot less painful that a trip to the store.

Beautiful Hamburger Buns

King Arthur Flour

Ingredients:
3/4 to 1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons butter
1 large egg
3 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast

Directions
1) Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients—by hand, mixer, or bread machine—to make a soft, smooth dough.
2) Cover the dough, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in bulk.
3) Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a round 1" thick (more or less); flatten to about 3" across. Place the buns on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise for about an hour, until very puffy.
4) If desired, brush buns with melted butter. Or brush lightly with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water), and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5) Bake the buns in a preheated 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, till golden. Cool on a rack. Makes 8.

*Note- brushing with butter will give them a soft, light golden crust. The egg wash will result in a shinier, darker crust.*

Posted by: Sallie