Fluffy Brioche Burger Buns with Fresh Milled Flour

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There’s something truly special about homemade burger buns—especially when they’re as light, fluffy, and buttery as brioche. Add the extra charm of fresh milled flour, and you’re signing up for a baking adventure that feels rewarding every step of the way. These buns don’t just hold your burger together; they elevate the whole experience with their soft texture and subtle sweetness. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend barbecue, these buns showcase how a simple ingredient swap and a bit of patience can turn ordinary into extraordinary. If you’ve ever wondered about crafting bakery-quality buns right at home, this recipe might just become your new favorite.

What Makes This Recipe Great

Fluffy, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.

Thanks to the brioche dough, these fluffy hamburger buns are incredibly soft and tender. The dough’s high butter content lends a luxurious richness that really makes every bite feel special and comforting.

Fresh milled flour for superior flavor.

Using freshly milled flour gives the buns a wonderfully nutty, deeply satisfying taste. It brings out the natural grain flavor that you simply can’t get from white flour, making these buns stand out even before you add your favorite toppings.

Perfect size and structure for any burger.

These buns hold together really well without being dense. Their slight sweetness pairs nicely with savory fillings, and their sturdy but pillowy structure means no soggy bottoms or falling apart—just pure burger enjoyment.

For more freshly milled recipes, try our fluffy sandwich bread or these delicious honey graham crackers!

Overview of Ingredients

Fresh Milled Flour

Using freshly milled flour adds a whole new dimension to these fresh hamburger buns with its nutty aroma and taste. If you don’t have a grain mill, unbleached all-purpose flour works fine as a substitute, though it won’t quite capture the same depth.

Butter

Butter is the best part of this recipe – it gives the brioche its signature richness and tenderness.

Eggs

Eggs enrich the dough and help create that beautiful golden color on the buns.

Milk

Milk keeps the brioche dough moist with a subtle sweetness. Whole milk is preferred, but you can use skim or plant-based milk alternatives, though the buns might turn out a little less rich.

Honey

Honey sweetens the dough just enough to balance the buttery flavor. You can use white or brown sugar, but brown sugar will add a slight molasses note that’s also delicious.

Yeast

Instant yeast is recommended for a steady rise and delightful fluffiness. Active dry yeast can also be used, but you will need to activate it in warm water and honey first.

Tips for Success

#1 Use room temperature ingredients

Bringing butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing helps everything come together more smoothly. It encourages better yeast activation, so your dough rises more reliably and has a great texture.

#2 Don’t rush the rise

Patience is key with this brioche dough mixture—it benefits from a slow, gradual rise that develops flavor and structure. If you’re short on time, a warmer spot can speed things up, but don’t skip the overnight chill in the fridge if you can; it makes shaping easier and enhances the taste.

#3 Shape the buns gently

For best results, when forming the buns, handle the dough lightly to preserve the air bubbles. Overworking or pressing too hard can deflate the dough and result in denser buns.

#4 Use an egg wash for a shiny crust

Brushing the buns with an egg wash before baking gives them that inviting golden shine. It makes the buns look bakery-worthy and adds a subtle flavor boost to the crust.

#5 Don’t forget to preheat your oven

Make sure your oven is fully heated before baking the buns to get that perfect crust and internal fluffiness. A well-preheated oven helps the buns rise properly during baking.

#6 Use a kitchen scale

Measuring ingredients by weight, especially for flour and butter, ensures consistent results. Baking is a precise science, and small variations can affect texture and rise.

#7 Cool the buns completely before slicing

Letting the buns cool on a rack prevents the insides from becoming gummy. It also gives the crumb time to set, which makes slicing easier and cleaner.

Helpful Tools & Supplies

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of fresh milled flour or you’re a seasoned home baker, I’ve taken the guesswork out of what you truly need. All of these tools and resources are available in my shop, designed to help your journey be smooth and nourishing:

Grain Mills

• NutriMill Classic Grain Mill – My go-to for fine, consistent milling; perfect for sandwich breads and everyday baking.
• NutriMill Harvest Grain Mill – Stone-ground elegance: this model delivers whole-grain flavor with a beautiful appearance.

Mixers

• Ankarsrum Mixer – A powerhouse kitchen companion with multiple speeds and attachments—ideal for kneading bread dough effortlessly.

Baking & Bread Tools

• Bread Bow Knife – Artisan-made with a high-carbon steel blade and cherry wood handle—this knife slices loaves with ease.
• Sourdough Essentials Kit With Starter – Complete starter kit that includes dehydrated sourdough starter, banneton baskets, a dough whisk, scoring lame, and more.

Cookbooks & eBook Bundles

• Everyday Whole Grains Vol. 1 & 2 (printed & digital) – Packed with 70+ recipes built around fresh milled flour, from breads to snacks and desserts.
• The Fresh Breads Bundle – A comprehensive set including eBooks like The Perfect Loaf, the Cookie Jar, bulk baking guides, and a sourdough mini‑course—all centered on fresh milled flour.
• Freshly Milled Made Simple Guide – A video-based guide that walks you through milling and baking basics, making the process feel easy and approachable.

Specialty Items

• Dehydrated Sourdough Starter – Just add water and flour to rehydrate this starter—perfect for bakers without an active sourdough culture.
• I Knead Fresh Flour Mug – A charming, handmade 12 oz ceramic mug—great for coffee breaks during dough rising!

Why These Are Worth It

Every tool in this collection has been personally vetted to support you in baking with fresh milled flour. From the grain mills that make your flour, to mixers that knead dough, to resources that teach you every step—it’s all here to make sure your homemade bread journey is joyful, nourishing, and successful.

➡️ Explore all of these items and more in the Generation Acres Farm Shop — your one-stop spot for fresh milled flour baking essentials.

Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls
• Stand Mixer with Dough Hook (optional but helpful)
• Kitchen Scale
• Bench Scraper
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
• Pastry Brush
• Cooling Rack

​How to Make Fluffy Brioche Burger Buns with Fresh Milled Flour

Ingredients:

• 3 ½ – 4 cups freshly milled hard white wheat flour, finely milled (455-520 grams)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ cup whole milk (116 grams)
• ¾ cup water (162 grams)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Optional: sesame seeds

Directions:

• In a small saucepan, add the milk, water, butter, and honey and heat it until the butter melts. Allow it to cool down, between 120-130 degrees F.

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3 ½ cups flour, the salt, and yeast.

• Add the milk and butter mixture, then add the eggs.

• Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

• If the dough still looks pretty wet add ¼ – ½ cup more of flour. The dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl. It should be a sticky dough, but not wet.

• Knead for 8-10 minutes, until you reach windowpane.

• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and put in warm spot to rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

• Turn the dough out onto an oiled surface and divide it into ten equal pieces.

• Shape into rolls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently push the rolls down to flatten a little bit.

• Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until doubled in size.
• If they’re super puffy, gently push them down a little bit.

• Brush with the egg wash and top with sesame seeds if desired.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. and bake for 12-14 minutes until they’ve got a deep golden brown color on top.

Recipe Variations

Add Seeds or Grains

Sprinkle poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or oats on top before baking for added texture and a nutty crunch.

Sweet Brioche Buns

Increase the sweetness slightly by adding another tablespoon of sugar or honey, and add a touch of vanilla extract for slightly sweeter buns that double as perfect breakfast rolls.

Mini Slider Buns

Form smaller buns for parties or snacks. Baking times will be shorter, so keep an eye on them.

Garlic & Herb Infusion

Brush the buns lightly with garlic butter and sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking to pair wonderfully with savory burgers.

Flavor Boosters

Use browned butter

Swap regular butter for browned butter in the dough to introduce a rich, toasty note that deepens the flavor and adds an unexpected layer of complexity.

Honey glaze

Brush the buns with a thin layer of honey mixed with a bit of water right after baking for a glossy finish and a delicate sweetness.

Add a hint of citrus zest

Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a subtle brightness that contrasts nicely with the buttery flavor.

Sprinkle with coarse sea salt

Just before baking, lightly sprinkle coarse sea salt over the buns to create a sweet-salty flavor balance that wakes up your taste buds.

Mix in herbs or spices

Try folding in fresh thyme, rosemary, or even mild cinnamon into the dough for a fresh spin that can complement specific burger fillings.

What To Serve With Fluffy Brioche Burger Buns

Classic Cheeseburgers

These buns are the perfect base for all your favorite cheeseburger combos—lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a melty cheese slice.

Sliders

Serve your favorite mini burger or pulled pork sliders on these pillowy buns for a fun appetizer or party snack.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Layer eggs, bacon, and cheese inside for a breakfast sandwich that feels way fancier than usual.

Pulled Chicken or Beef Sandwiches

The sweet softness of brioche pairs beautifully with savory, saucy pulled meats.

Dinner Rolls

These buns can also be shaped as rolls to pair with a warm, savory roast and mashed potatoes.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe

Buns Are Dense or Heavy

Be sure not to add too much flour when kneading; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Also, check your yeast is fresh to ensure proper rising.

Dough Doesn’t Rise Enough

Make sure the liquid ingredients are warm but not hot—about 100°F (38°C)— so that you do not kill it. Also, provide a warm, draft-free spot for the dough to rise.

Buns Flatten Out During Baking

Ensure the dough balls are shaped tightly and evenly before the final rise. If the dough is too loose or the oven temperature too low, buns may spread out instead of rising upward.

Crust is Too Pale or Dull

Don’t skip the egg wash; it’s crucial for that golden, shiny crust. Also, preheat the oven fully so the buns bake evenly and develop color.

Buns Turn Out Dry

Avoid overbaking by checking the buns a few minutes before the timer ends. Also, make sure to cool them on a wire rack to prevent moisture from collecting underneath.

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

Freezing:

After the buns have cooled completely, wrap them individually or in pairs in plastic wrap or foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave them out at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Storing:

Keep buns in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for 2-3 days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped tightly, then warm before serving to soften crumbs.

How To Reheat

Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in aluminum foil to keep them from drying out and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and soft.

Microwave Method

Wrap the bun in a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 15-20 seconds. This method is quick but may result in a softer crust.

Toaster Oven Method

Slice the buns in half and toast lightly in a toaster oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh the crust while keeping the inside fluffy.

Steam Method

Place buns in a steamer basket over simmering water for a few minutes to gently warm while maintaining softness.

Skillet Method

Slice buns and warm halves cut-side down in a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat for a minute or two to refresh both texture and flavor.

Ways to Use Leftovers

French Toast Brioche

Turn your leftover buns into decadent French toast by slicing them thick and soaking them in an egg mixture before pan-frying.

Bread Pudding

Cube the buns and use them as the base for a sweet or savory bread pudding—perfect for a cozy brunch or dessert.

Breadcrumbs

Dry out the buns, then pulse them in a food processor to make fresh breadcrumbs, ideal for coating or topping dishes.

Mini Sandwiches or Sliders

Slice buns and fill with deli meats, cheese, and condiments for easy, crowd-pleasing snacks.

Croutons

Cut leftover buns into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasoning, then bake until crisp for homemade salad croutons.

Extra FAQs

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading much easier and more consistent, but you can absolutely knead by hand if you prefer a hands-on experience.

How long can I let the dough rise in the refrigerator?

You can refrigerate the dough for up to 12-16 hours for a slow fermentation, which actually improves flavor and texture.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, shape the dough into buns, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What if I don’t have an egg wash? You can brush the buns with milk or cream instead, which will give some color and a slightly softer crust, but egg wash creates the best shine and color.