Quick and Easy Hamburger Buns are the perfect homemade addition to your next meal. These soft, fluffy buns come together in under an hour, making them ideal for burgers or sandwiches. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have fresh, golden buns that are far more flavorful than store-bought. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these buns will elevate your meal effortlessly.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
3 tablespoons canola oil (or substitute ¼ cup melted butter)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, oil, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
Whisk in the egg and salt.
Gradually add flour, starting with 3 cups, and mix until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if necessary.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a slightly flattened ball.
Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
Bake for 8 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and brush the tops with melted butter. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 buns
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store, I recommend keeping the hamburger buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply wrap the buns in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make sure the dough rises properly?
I always make sure the water is warm, not too hot or cold. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, the yeast won't activate. The water should be around 100°F (38°C) for the best results.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step. Just mix the yeast directly into the dry ingredients and continue with the recipe.
How can I make these buns sweeter or less sweet?
To make the buns sweeter, I like to add a little extra sugar or honey. On the other hand, if you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly—adjust to your preference!
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the dough ahead and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape the dough, let it rise again, and bake it. This saves a lot of time on the day you plan to serve them.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. I would recommend using about 50% whole wheat flour and the rest all-purpose flour to keep the buns light and fluffy.
Conclusion
Making homemade hamburger buns doesn't need to be complicated. With this quick and easy recipe, I get soft, delicious buns in under an hour—perfect for any burger or sandwich. The dough is simple to work with, and the results are always spot-on. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, these buns are sure to impress.
Recipe:
Quick and Easy Hamburger Buns
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy, and easy-to-make homemade hamburger buns ready in under an hour. Perfect for burgers or sandwiches, these buns are golden, slightly sweet, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
3 tablespoons canola oil (or substitute ¼ cup melted butter)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, oil, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Whisk in the egg and salt.
- Gradually add flour, starting with 3 cups, and mix until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if needed.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a slightly flattened ball.
- Place the dough balls 3 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes until nearly doubled.
- Bake for 8-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Dough Rising Tip: Ensure the water is warm (around 100°F / 38°C) to activate the yeast properly.
Sweetness Variations: Adjust sugar or honey to make the buns sweeter or less sweet based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breads, Sandwich Buns
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 buns
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per bun
