Author: Emilie Raffa
Yield: 8 buns
Ingredients
1 cup warm water, about 75-85 F
3 Tb’s warm milk (I prefer whole milk)
1 TB whole milk powdered milk
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Whisk together the warm water, milk, yeast and sugar; set aside
1 large egg – Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
3 cups bread flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg & a splash of water for egg wash for top of bun
Toppings
sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Add the flours, salt, and butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix the ingredients until the butter is the size of pebbles.
Add the yeast mixture and the beaten egg. Run the mixer on medium-low speed until a dough forms, about 5-8 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary, and shape
the dough into a ball. It will be sticky.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a very damp kitchen towel, and let the dough rise until it has nearly doubled is size, about 1- 3 hours @ 70 F. Giving your dough enough time to rise is crucial in bread baking. Rise times will vary depending on temperature, so be patient. Remember to watch your dough and not the clock!
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a floured dough scraper (or chef’s knife), divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. (If you have a scale, weigh each piece to guarantee that they’re all the same size.)
To shape the dough into balls, gently flatten each piece like a pancake. Gather the ends and pinch the dough to seal in the center. Flip the dough over, cup the surface with your palm, and roll into a ball.
Place on cookie sheet or form you are using.
Cover with damp cloth and rest for 1-2 hours, or until puffy and slightly risen.
To make the egg wash, beat the egg with a splash of water. When the buns are finished with the 2nd rise, gently brush each one with egg wash. At this point, you could add sesame seeds to the top of your rolls.
Preheat your oven to 400 F. and place a skillet or metal baking dish on the oven floor with water in it. This will help keep the bread nice and moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.