Few things compare to the simple pleasure of pulling warm, freshly baked buns straight from the oven. These fluffy rolls are light and soft making them a perfect choice for everything from breakfast sandwiches to dinner accompaniments. With a straightforward dough and a gentle rise, they deliver bakery-quality results right at home.
You can serve them plain, dusted with a touch of flour, or filled with your favorite ingredients. Regardless of how they are eaten, once you’ve tried them, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.
What Are Fluffy Buns?
Fluffy buns are yeast-based bread rolls that rise beautifully thanks to a combination of proper kneading and resting time. They are popular across many cuisines, including German Brötchen, Italian panini, or classic American dinner rolls.
Bread has been around for thousands of years, but the small, individual bun became popular because it was easier to portion, travel with, and pair with just about any meal. Early European buns were often baked in communal village ovens, which is why they usually came in neat, round portions, just like these!
Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. These fluffy homemade bread buns are incredibly soft, moist, and easy to make with only five simple ingredients. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying with butter and jam, this recipe is beginner-friendly and absolutely foolproof.
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 buns)
- 3 ½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm milk (or water)
(Optional: 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil for extra softness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk (or water), mixing until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
2. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Buns
- Punch down the dough to release air.
- Divide into 8–10 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between buns.
4. Second Rise
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–40 minutes, until the buns puff up nicely.
5. Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- (Optional) Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for an extra-soft, shiny crust.
Tips for Success
- Use warm milk/water (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- For extra flavor, substitute part of the liquid with warm buttermilk.
- Add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking for variety.
Serving Ideas
- Slice in half and use as burger buns.
- Serve warm with soups and stews.
- Enjoy at breakfast with butter, jam, or honey.
Final Thoughts
With just five pantry ingredients, you can create bakery-style bread buns at home that are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious. Once you try them, you may never want to buy store-bought buns again!
