Beautiful Burger Buns

By LindeNo1

Baker after baker tried these buns and declared themTHEBEST. Soft, vaguely sweet and golden-yellow from the butter and egg, these simple buns are perfect for burgers, but also fine for any kind of sandwich.

Ingredients

• Buns
• 3/4 to 1 cup lukewarm water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large egg
• 3 1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• For best results (a smooth, slightly soft dough), use the smaller amount of water in summer (or in a humid environment), the greater amount in winter (or in a dry climate); and something in between the rest of the time.
• Topping
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

1) Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients — by hand, mixer, or bread machine, probably the easiest method — to make a soft, smooth dough.2) Cover the dough, and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s nearly doubled in bulk. If using a bread machine, use the dough cycle, usually about 1 1/2 hours, then proceed to the next step.

3) Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into 8 (or 12) pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball; flatten to about 3”across. Place the buns on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for about an hour, until noticeably puffy.

4) Brush the buns with about half of the melted butter.

5) Bake the buns in a preheated 375°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden. Remove them from the oven, and brush with the remaining melted butter. This will give the buns a satiny, buttery crust.

6) Cool the buns on a rack.

Yield: 8 large or 12 medium buns.