SESAME HAMBURGER BUNS

Ingredients

• ​1 1/3 cups milk (2%), scalded and cooled to 115ºF
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• All-purpose flour, optional*
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• Sesame seeds*

Directions

1. Combine cooled scalded milk and 1 tbsp sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3 tbsp sugar and salt in a bowl.
3. Place yeast mixture, flour mixture, cooled melted butter, oil and beaten egg in a stand mixer fitted with a flat beater. Using low speed, beat for 5 minutes.
4. Change stand mixer attachment to a dough hook. Add remaining 2 cups (500 mL) flour. Using low speed, beat just until dough comes together and forms a ball, about 5 minutes.
5. If dough is too sticky, gradually beat in additional flour until dough comes together and forms a ball.
6. Using greased hands, shape dough into a ball.
7. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl; turn dough to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Let dough rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
8. Uncover and punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half. Cover with greased plastic wrap and let stand for 10 minutes.
9. Uncover and cut each half of dough into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball.
10. Place balls 1 1/2 inches apart in a greased 12 x 17 inch rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten balls slightly.
11. Brush tops with beaten egg whites and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover pan with greased plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
12. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375ºF.
13. Uncover and bake for 15 – 17 minutes or until buns are golden brown.
14. Remove buns from pan and cool on racks.