Brioche Buns

Light and airy and very tasty.   Takes a little more work than regular hamburger buns, but well worth the effort.  

BRIOCHE BUNS

(makes 8 or 16 mini)

Starter Ingredients:

*1/4 cup bread flour (can use all-purpose)

*1/4 cup warm whole milk (110 degrees)

*1 teaspoon instant yeast

Bun Ingredients:

*2 1/8 cups bread flour (can use all-purpose)

*3 large eggs, room temperature 

*1 teaspoon kosher salt

*2 tablespoons honey

*2 tablespoons whole milk

*1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (don't add while hot)

*1 egg

*1 teaspoon water

*sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions:

~In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup bread flour, 1/4 cup warm milk, 1 teaspoon yeast.

~Cover bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 40 minutes (it will be very bubbly).

~In a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer, use the hook attachment, combine 2 1/8 cups bread flour and 1 teaspoon salt and stir until mixed well.

~Add starter, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk, and 2 tablespoons honey and mix on low speed for 4 minutes.

~Allow dough to rest for 6 minutes.

~Start mixing again on medium speed for 6-8 minutes (scrape down sides if needed).

~Turn mixer down to load speed and pour about 1/4 of the melted butter in.  Mix until most of the oil is absorbed in the dough.  Repeat 2 more times.   This will take about 10 minutes to get most of the oil absorbed.

~Knead dough on a clean counter top until oil is fully absorbed and the dough is smooth.

~Place dough into a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 2 hours

~Divide dough into 8 or 16 equal pieces.

~Shape each piece into a ball.

~Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

~Cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~Whisk 1 egg and 1 teaspoon water together.

~Using a pastry brush, gently brush egg mixture on the side and top of dough.

~Sprinkle desired amount of poppy seeds or sesame seeds over top of bun.

~Bake for 23-25 minutes.