Homemade Hamburger Buns from Scratch
There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own hamburger buns from scratch. The smell of rising dough, the golden tops fresh from the oven, and the tender crumb that cradles everything from grass-fed beef patties to garden sandwhiches. These homemade buns are everything store-bought could never be—rich, fluffy, and full of old-fashioned goodness. Plus, they're made with nourishing ingredients like tallow, a traditional fat that gives these buns their irresistible flavor.
Whether you’re prepping for a summer cookout or making simple sandwiches feel extra special, these buns bring a wholesome touch to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
233g warm water (about 100–110°F)
10g active dry yeast
20g sugar
35g tallow (you can substitute with softened butter, but tallow gives it a rich depth)
345g bread flour
20g milk powder
10g salt
1 egg, for egg wash
Instructions:
1. Bloom the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it’s foamy and fragrant. This is when the yeast wakes up and gets ready to work its magic.
2. Mix the Dough
Add in the tallow, bread flour, milk powder, and salt. Using a dough hook (or your hands if you’re feeling rustic), knead the dough for 6 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should be soft, slightly tacky, but not sticky.
3. First Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or a piece of beeswax wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1.5 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. I like to set mine by the windowsill—it’s the perfect spot. While you wait, it’s a lovely time to sip a cup of tea, read a chapter of your favorite book, or tend to your garden. Let the gentle rhythm of homemade living guide your day.
4. Shape the Buns
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into 7 equal pieces—each should weigh about 90–95 grams. Roll them into tight, smooth balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them a bit apart.
5. Second Proof
Let the buns rest and rise again for 30–35 minutes, covered. They’ll puff up beautifully—this is your sign that the yeast has worked well.
6. Preheat & Egg Wash
While the buns are proofing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, brush the tops of the buns gently with a beaten egg for that lovely golden sheen.
7. Bake
Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the internal temperature reads about 190°F. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy little bakery—rich and warm.
Tips for Cottagecore Perfection:
Tallow is an old-fashioned fat that was often used in baking before butter was so widely available. It gives the buns a subtle savory note that complements burgers beautifully.
Want to sprinkle on sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning? Add them right after the egg wash, before popping them in the oven.
These buns freeze wonderfully! Just let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. Warm them up in the oven when needed.
A Bun That Tells a Story
Every time I make these, I think of the days when everything was made from scratch. When bread was left to rise on the windowsill, and the scent of baking meant family would soon gather. These hamburger buns aren’t just a recipe—they’re a memory in the making.
From My Hearth to Yours
There’s a quiet kind of joy that comes from making something as simple as a hamburger bun with your own hands. It’s more than just bread—it’s a return to slower days, to nourishing our families with intention, and to savoring the beauty of homemade.
Whether you fill these with heirloom tomatoes from your garden, a well-seasoned burger from your cast iron skillet, or simply butter and jam, I hope these buns bring warmth to your table and a sense of pride to your kitchen.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Tag me or leave a comment so we can celebrate your baking day together.
Until next time, may your dough always rise and your home be filled with the scent of something lovely baking.
With flour-dusted hands and a full heart,
Brooke
Hello Goegeous Threads
📌 Love this recipe? Don’t forget to save it for later!
Pin this post to your Cozy Bakes or Cottagecore Kitchen board so you’ll have it handy the next time you’re craving soft, golden hamburger buns made from scratch. Perfect for backyard burgers, picnic sandwiches, or slathered in butter fresh from the oven—this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.
One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!
There's nothing like the taste of fresh, homemade buns straight from your own oven. These soft, golden beauties are made with real ingredients and old-fashioned methods for a bun that beats anything store-bought.