
Making homemade buns from scratch in just 30 minutes is easier than you think! Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, planning burgers, or simply craving fresh, warm bread, these buns are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion.
With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy the satisfaction of freshly baked buns without the long wait.
Tips for Perfect 30-Minute Buns:
- Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is around 110°F (45°C) to activate the yeast properly and help the dough rise quickly.
- Don’t Skip Kneading: Kneading the dough for a few minutes helps develop gluten, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Let the Dough Rest: Even a short rise time allows the buns to become soft and fluffy, so don’t rush this step. If you have more time, give them more time!
- Adjust Flour as Needed: Add flour gradually to avoid a sticky dough; the right consistency should be soft but not overly tacky.
- Brush with Butter: For a golden, shiny crust, brush the buns with melted butter right after baking.
- Make Them Your Own: Add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of coarse salt on top for extra flavor and texture.
Don’t want them as dark – don’t do the egg wash! They end up like this…

With these simple tips, you’ll have bakery-style buns ready to enjoy in no time!
30 Minute Buns
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup warm water 110°F/45°C
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/3 cup apple sauce or vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp eggbeaters or large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for brushing, optional
- 1 tbsp egg whites
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the applesauce, eggbeaters, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining flour as needed.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces and shape them into round balls. Make them bigger if you want bigger. Smaller if you want small. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the buns with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Brush the tops with egg whites with water wash if you want them darker brown. Then bake the buns for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Brush the tops with melted butter right after baking for a soft, shiny finish.
- Let the buns cool slightly before serving.