🍞 The Magic of Baking Buns on the Homestead
There’s something sacred about baking bread. Maybe it’s the rhythm of kneading, or the quiet anticipation while the dough rises, but baking buns, especially on a crisp fall day, just feels like home.
In our house, buns are more than just a side dish. They’re the soft, steamy stars of soup nights, sandwich lunches, and late-night butter-slathered snacks. So today, I’m sharing one of my go-to recipes for soft, fluffy homestead-style buns. These are simple, satisfying, and made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
🥖 Soft & Simple Farmhouse Buns
Makes 12 buns
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 ÂĽ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 egg
- 3 ¼ to 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat)
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional: butter for brushing tops after baking
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add the melted butter and egg. Stir in 2 cups of flour and the salt. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour (or until doubled).
- Punch down and divide into 12 pieces. Shape into balls and place on a greased or lined baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with melted butter, if desired, and enjoy warm!
Simple Ingredients, Big Comfort
There’s nothing like pulling fresh, homemade buns from the oven. With a few pantry staples and some love, you can bring a bit of the homestead into your kitchen—no matter where you live.
Kneading as Meditation
The rhythm of kneading is more than just a baking step—it’s grounding, calming, and deeply satisfying. This part of the process helps you connect with the food you’re about to share.
Golden & Fluffy
After just 15 minutes in the oven, these buns come out golden on top, soft on the inside, and perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or a big smear of butter.
Serve It Up
Enjoy them warm or save for later! These buns freeze beautifully and make every meal feel a little more homemade. Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to make it your own.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your buns (ha!). Tag me on Instagram @thehippiefarmer, Facebook, or leave a comment below. There’s just something about baking that brings us back to our roots, one warm roll at a time.
With love and flour-dusted fingers,
The Hippie Farmer