1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
4. Gradually add the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have doubled in size.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg to give them a shiny finish.
10. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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11. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly sweeter bun, you can increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. To add a savory twist, sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the buns before baking. For a more rustic texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you want to experiment with different flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
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