How to shape hot dog buns

1. Divide the risen dough into 8 equal pieces (use a scale for accuracy, if desired).

2. Gently use your fingers to gather each piece into a ball. You want the top to be smooth.

3. Roll the ball into a log 4 1/2 inches long. This will yield a bun perfectly sized for a standard hot dog or brat.

4. Place the bun on a sheet pan lined with parchment. Gently pat the tops of the buns to flatten. The buns rise the most in the center during baking, so this keeps them more uniform.