Homemade Sesame Seed Buns

Ingredients

• 1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
• 1 1/3 cups milk, heated to 115�
• 1 1/2 teaspoons plus 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4 cups flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1⁄2″ cubes, softened
• Canola oil, for greasing
• 3 teaspoons sesame seeds

Directions

1. 1. In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle, stir together yeast, milk, and 1 1/2 tsp. sugar; let foam. Stir in remaining sugar, flour, salt, and egg. Mix on low speed until dough forms. Replace paddle with dough hook; add butter; knead on medium-high speed until dough pulls away from sides of bowl, about 8 minutes. Transfer dough to an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Let rest in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
2. 2. Heat oven to 400�. Divide dough into 12 portions; shape each into a tight ball. Place balls on a parchment paper�lined baking sheet. Lightly brush balls with oil; cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 1/2 hours.
3. 3. Uncover dough and, using a spray bottle filled with water, moisten dough; sprinkle each ball with 1/4 tsp. sesame seeds. Bake, rotating once, until golden brown, 18�20 minutes. Let cool.
4. Makes 12 buns