Hot Dog or Burger Buns

Dump flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Dissolve sugar into the water, then stir in the yeast to activate. Pour the yeast, milk, and egg into the flour and stir about 5 minutes to combine. Add the butter in tablespoon-sized chunks, and knead for 15 to 20 minutes until dough pulls away from the bowl. Dough will be soft and stretchy, yet still a little sticky.

Scrape dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly-greased bowl. Cover. For enhanced flavor, let rise in the refrigerator overnight, or let rise in a warm place until doubled (at least an hour). Divide dough into 10 parts (or 8 parts for larger buns). Roll into balls, then form into hot dog or burger bun shapes. Arrange on a baking sheet, and let rise 45 minutes to an hour.

Preheat oven to 350° F toward the end of the rise. Brush the buns with milk or an egg wash, and bake until golden, about 17 to 20 minutes.