Homemade Hamburger Buns #1 (with recipe)

Jen is experimenting with homemade burger buns!  So this is attempt #1, we're naming it such because we're not 100% in love quite yet.  Tweaking and research must be done!  But just because we're going for knock-out amazing doesn't mean that these weren't good!  They were.

This recipe is quick and simple and even if you're not used to working with yeast breads, it's a breeze.

The recipe makes 6 large buns or 12 smaller buns - however you like to eat your burgers!


Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water, plus 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3-4 cups flour

Directions:

• In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar (this is vital - yeast needs to come to life and it loves to feed on sugar!  I always proof my yeast this way)
• Let yeast stand for 10 minutes or until it's nice and foamy as you can see in the picture - that means it's awake!
• Add oil, remaining sugar, egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough (I used 3 cups flour)
• Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3-5 minutes
• Divide dough into 6 pieces (or 12 if you're doing smaller buns), roll into a ball and flatten/shape each as you want your buns to be.  Ours were large - we like big buns and we cannot lie!
• Place each piece on a greased cookie sheet (or two if you need more room) - I spray my cookie sheets with coconut oil spray.
• Cover and let rest for 10 minutes
• Bake at 425 degrees for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
• Remove from pan and place on a wire rack to cool (this is important!  I didn't remove mine and as you can see below - the bottoms were over-done by the time we were ready to slice!  I blame the wine.)

Like I said, these were very good, even the over-done bottoms (my fault) didn't ruin them.  We'll be experimenting with recipes until we find one that we can honestly say is to die for.  But these are an excellent, quick and simple bun that even Thing #5 liked!  Our picky little Bite.

Try them with your next burger adventure and let us know how yours turned out!