Gather ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk or water, butter or oil, and an egg if desired
Mix warm liquid, yeast, and sugar
Let the yeast activate until foamy
Add flour, salt, and butter or oil
Mix until a dough forms
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic
Place the dough in a greased bowl
Cover and let it rise until doubled in size
Punch down the dough
Divide the dough into equal portions
Shape each portion into a bun
Place the buns on a baking tray
Cover and let them rise again until puffy
Brush the tops with milk, egg wash, or melted butter
Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown
Remove from the oven and cool on a rack