I know I just posted hamburger buns a few weeks ago, but I had to post these too.  These are completely different than the hamburger buns.  They’re slightly sweet and not as dense, and would even make a really good dinner roll.  The overwhelming consensus when I served these was that the rolls were the star of the meal.  My five year old ate one plain, and my two year old kept asking for more.  I made BBQ beef sandwiches, and when I asked my husband if he liked them enough for me to make them again, he said yes, as long as I make the rolls again. 

Sometimes, a simple yes or no answer would be perfectly sufficient. 

The best thing about these rolls is how very simple they are to make.  How many bread recipes can you think of that you can just throw all the ingredients in a bowl, mix for five minutes with a dough hook, and then call it done?  Easy.  Mine rose nicely in two hours, and then after I shaped them into rolls, I let them rise another hour and they were perfect.  I got eight pretty large buns out of this recipe, but I’m thinking about dividing them in half and just making round dinner rolls next time.  They’ll definitely be a welcome addition to any meal at our house!

If you’re looking for an easy, quick bread recipe, try this one!  Hope you love it as much as we did!

1 large egg
3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast

*For best results (a smooth, slightly soft dough), use the smaller amount of water in summer (or in a humid environment), the greater amount in winter (or in a dry climate); and something in between the rest of the time.

Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients – by hand, mixer or bread machine – to make a soft, smooth dough.  Cover the dough, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in bulk. 

Gently deflate the dough, and divide it into 8 equal pieces.  Shape each piece into a round ball, then flatten to make a disc about 3″ across.  Place the buns on a lightly greased or parchment/silpat lined baking sheet, cover and let rise about an hour or until noticeably puffy. 

Brush the buns with about half of the melted butter.  Bake the buns in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove them from the oven and brush with the remaining butter.  Let cool on a wire rack completely before slicing.

Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from King Arthur Four

Buns

• 6 to 8 ounces lukewarm water
• 1 ounce butter
• 1 large egg
• 14 3/4 ounces King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 1 3/4 ounces sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• *For best results (a smooth, slightly soft dough), use the smaller amount of water in summer (or in a humid environment), the greater amount in winter (or in a dry climate); and something in between the rest of the time.

Topping

• 1 1/2 ounces melted butter