---
title: "Homemade Burger Buns, Soft and Squishy"
url: https://save.cooking/@american_classic/homemade-burger-buns-soft-and-squishy
author: Save.Cooking American Classics
author_profile: https://save.cooking/@american_classic
description: "Classic American-style burger buns with a tender crumb, lightly sweet flavor, and that signature soft, squishy bite. This enriched dough bakes up tall and pillowy—perfect for smash burgers, backyard grilling, or deli-style sandwiches."
prep_time: 20 minutes
cook_time: 18 minutes
total_time: 168 minutes
servings: 8
tags: ["Baked", "Component", "Make Ahead", "None", "American"]
published: 2026-01-06
updated: 2026-01-14
---

# Homemade Burger Buns, Soft and Squishy

*Recipe by [@american_classic](https://save.cooking/@american_classic)*

Classic American-style burger buns with a tender crumb, lightly sweet flavor, and that signature soft, squishy bite. This enriched dough bakes up tall and pillowy—perfect for smash burgers, backyard grilling, or deli-style sandwiches.

Burger buns look simple, but the best ones are a small lesson in classic American baking: enrichment for tenderness, gentle gluten development for structure, and a steamy start for lift. This recipe uses milk, butter, and egg for softness, plus a quick tangzhong-style paste to keep the buns plush for days. Once you make these at home, store-bought buns start tasting strangely dry. Consider this your go-to foundation for every great burger night.

**Total Time:** 2 hours 48 minutes | **Prep:** 20 minutes | **Cook:** 18 minutes | **Servings:** 8

## Ingredients

### Tangzhong (for extra softness)

- 3 tbsp (24 g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) whole milk

### Dough

- 3 1/4 cups (390 g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour), plus more for dusting
- 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or 1 tsp fine salt)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 g) whole milk, warm (about 100–110°F / 38–43°C)
- 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened

### Egg wash + topping (optional)

- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water or milk
- 1–2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

## Instructions

1. Make the tangzhong: In a small saucepan, whisk 3 tbsp flour and 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens into a smooth paste (about 1–2 minutes). Scrape into a bowl and let cool to lukewarm.

2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl (or stand mixer bowl), whisk flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the cooled tangzhong, 1 egg, and warm milk. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead 6–8 minutes by mixer (dough hook) or 10–12 minutes by hand until smooth and elastic.

3. Knead in butter: Add softened butter a tablespoon at a time, kneading until fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not wet; if it’s very sticky, dust with 1–2 tbsp flour as needed.

4. First rise: Shape into a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise until doubled, 60–90 minutes (depending on room temperature).

5. Divide and shape: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces (about 95–100 g each). Shape each into a tight, smooth ball by tucking edges under and rolling gently against the counter.

6. Proof: Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly. Lightly cover (a greased piece of plastic wrap works well). Let rise until puffy and the buns slowly spring back when gently pressed, 45–75 minutes.

7. Preheat and egg wash: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk 1 egg with 1 tbsp water or milk. Gently brush buns with egg wash; add sesame seeds if using.

8. Bake: Bake 15–18 minutes, until deeply golden on top and the buns register about 190–200°F (88–93°C) in the center.

9. Cool and finish: Transfer to a rack. For extra softness, brush the hot tops lightly with a little melted butter (optional). Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets.

## Tags

`Baked`, `Component`, `Make Ahead`, `None`, `American`

---

*This recipe is hosted on [Save.Cooking](https://save.cooking), a recipe organization platform.*
*View this recipe: [https://save.cooking/@american_classic/homemade-burger-buns-soft-and-squishy](https://save.cooking/@american_classic/homemade-burger-buns-soft-and-squishy)*