Print

Homemade Dinner Buns

Homemade Dinner Buns
Print Recipe

These Homemade Dinner Buns are soft, fluffy, and mildly sweet with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any cozy meal. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward baking steps, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers. Enjoy warm, aromatic buns that stay fresh for days and can be customized with variations to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor)
  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg (for dough and egg wash)

Optional Variations & Toppings

  • Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder (to add to the dough)
  • Seeds such as sesame, poppy, or sunflower (for sprinkling on top)
  • Sweet additions like cinnamon and raisins (for sweet dinner buns)
  • Vegan alternatives: plant-based milk and butter, flaxseed or applesauce instead of egg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch (about 110°F or 43°C). Dissolve the sugar and active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Then add the melted butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for the same amount of time. Kneading develops gluten which gives the buns their structure and softness.
  3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This fermentation creates light, fluffy air pockets inside the dough.
  4. Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into 12 equal portions, or adjust the number based on your preferred size. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the tray lightly and allow the buns to rise again for 30-45 minutes. This final rise ensures a soft crumb and fluffy texture in the finished buns.
  6. Bake and Finish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm, not hot, milk to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Allow adequate rising times to develop flavor and achieve soft, airy texture.
  • Always use fresh yeast to ensure good rise quality.
  • Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth for perfect crumb structure.
  • Brushing buns with egg wash results in an appealing color and slight crunch on the crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: dinner buns, homemade bread, soft bread, fluffy buns, baking recipe, yeast buns, sandwich buns

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/homemade-dinner-buns/