Step 1

Mix water, yeast, and honey until yeast and honey are dissolved. Add the salt, oil, and 4½ cups of flour to make a soft dough.

Step 2

Beat with a stand mixer for a minute or two (or stir by hand about a minute), adding the other 1/2 cup flour as needed to help dough be less sticky (you may not need all of it - it should still be somewhat sticky). Let it rest 10 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Step 4

Remove to a floured surface and knead by hand a few times. Press dough flat on floured surface then cut for hamburger (or hotdog) buns: cut into 12 even pieces and using floured hands, shape each into a ball. Slightly flatten the balls (or elongate for hot dogs) and place on a greased cookie sheet, flattening down the edges to create bun shapes.

Step 5

Let rise 10 to 15 minutes (they will rise a bit, but not double).

Step 6

Bake hamburger buns for 15 to 17 minutes until golden. Let cool a bit before slicing in half.