- 24
Ingredients
- • 4 cups flour, divided
- • 3/4 tablespoon salt, plus more for sprinkling over buns, optional
- • 1/4 cup sugar
- • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- • 1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk (can be whole, 1 percent, 2 percent or even skim)
- • 1 whole egg
- • 2 tablespoons ( 1/4 stick) softened butter, plus more for brushing the buns
- • Vegetable cooking spray
Preparation
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour with 3/4 tablespoon salt, the sugar and yeast. Add the milk, egg and butter.
Using a hand mixer, beat all the ingredients at low speed for 1 minute.
Stir in 1 1/2 more cups flour, then finish with enough of the remaining flour (see Photo 1) so the dough is not too dry or too wet.
Knead by hand for 1 to 2 minutes (Photo 2), then coat the top of the dough with cooking spray and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, for about 30 minutes. Punch the dough down and cut it in half. Elongate the dough and cut into 10 to 12 pieces (Photo 3) and tie into knots or twists (Photo 4). Place on a baking sheet that has been coated with cooking spray, and brush each bun with melted butter (Photo 5). Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until almost doubled in size.
Arrange a rack at the center position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Uncover the baking sheet and sprinkle buns with salt, if desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on racks.
For variations, add some finely chopped apples, or raisins or fresh herbs.
Makes 24 buns.