Hamburger Buns

I am a bread snob (my Mom spoiled me growing up, what can I say?). I make wheat bread every Monday because I don't like store bought bread. I have been looking for a good hamburger bun recipe. I tried one last week that was not very good. I was a little worried about this one, but I was determined to find a good one (sorry for all of the hamburger nights family!) This one was really good!



1 C. milk
1 C. water
2 TBS butter
1 TBS white sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
5 1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 envelope active dry yeast
1 egg yolk
1 TBS water

Combine the milk, 1 c. of water, butter, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then remove from the heat and let stand until lukewarm. If the mixtue is too hot, it will kill the yeast.

In a large bowl, stir together the flour and yeast. Pour in wet ingredients and stir until the dough starts to pull together. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook to mix for about 8 minutes. If not, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. cover and let stand until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Punch down the dough and divide into 12 portions. They should be a little larger than a golf ball. Make tight balls out of the dough by pulling the dough tightly around and pinching it at the bottom. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. After the rolls sit for a minute and relax, flatten each ball with the palm of your hand until it is 3 to 4 inches wide. You may want oil your hand first. Set rolls aside until they double in size, about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together the egg yolk and 1 TBS of water in a cup or small bowl. Brush onto the tops of the rolls.

Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the rolls from the oven and return them to different shelves so each one spends a little time on the top. Continue to bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until nicely browned on the top and bottom.