Homemade Hamburger Buns

This recipe can make a dozen dinner rolls or 9 buns. They come out perfect every time. They are very light and fluffy. I used whole oats for the tops this time, but there are all sorts of goodies to be used. Sesame Seeds, Caraway Seeds, Sunflower or Pumpkin seeds, all kinds of herbs like dill, thyme, oregano, basil..what ever is growing in your garden. Customized Buns and rolls to go with your meal will be a sure hit with your family and friends! The dough for this recipe is a lot stickier than the dough for a loaf of bread. This is a good thing, however you want to make sure when your dividing the dough on your work surface, to use as little amount of flour as possible. I oil my bowl for my first rise pretty good so it makes it pretty easy to work with. If you have any extras they will freeze up nicely for later so enjoy!

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 tsp yeast
4 tbsp organic sunflower seed oil
1 egg room temperature
2 tbsp dry powdered milk
3 cups unbleached all purpose flour or bread flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
seeds and herbs of choice

In your warm mixing bowl put in warm water and yeast to dissolve. Add oil, egg and powdered milk. Place on your mixer with dough hook. Add flour, sugar and salt and turn on mixer to speed 2. Add any seeds or herbs you would like to be in the dough. Otherwise save them for the tops. Mix until dough begins to pull away from the sides. About 3 minutes or so. Oil a large bowl for your dough to rise in. Place the dough in the bowl, it will be sticky. Rub your hands in a bit of flour to help handle it. Place the bowl in a warm place to rise. It will take about an hour or so. When it is ready, turn out onto a very lightly floured surface. Divide the dough for nine buns or 12 rolls. For the buns I flatten out the dough a bit and try to push out the gas bubbles with the palm of my hand for each individual bun. Place them on a well oiled jelly pan or large baking sheet. Allow a little space between each one. They will touch after they rise, but pull apart easily. Brush the tops with whipped egg white and a pinch of water. Pat and sprinkle on your seeds or oats or herbs. Place a towel over your baking sheet and place it in a warm place to rise. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes or until a light golden brown. Remove them soon after they are done and place them on wire racks to cool.

Happy Gardening!!
Pammy