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1
In a small saucepan, heat milk and the 1/3 cup (75 ml) butter over medium heat until butter is melted.
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2
Let cool to around 100F (38C).
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3
In the mixer bowl, stir together yeast, water and a pinch of sugar.
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4
Let stand until yeast begins to foam, about 5 minutes.
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5
Add milk mixture, sugar, salt and eggs.
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6
Attach the flat beater and mixer bowl to the mixer.
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7
Set to speed 2 and mix until combined.
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8
Add 4 cups (1 L) of the flour and mix until a dough forms.
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9
Remove the flat beater and attach the dough hook.
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10
Set to speed 2 and knead, adding flour 1/2 cup (125 ml) at a time, until dough forms a smooth and elastic ball that cleans the bowl.
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11
Continue to knead for 2 minutes, adding flour 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time as necessary to keep dough from clinging to the bowl.
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12
(You may not need all of the flour.
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13
Save the remainder for dusting.)
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14
Using your hands, form dough into a ball.
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15
Place back in the mixer bowl, rub with softened butter and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
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16
Let rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
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17
Uncover dough and punch down several times to work out air bubbles.
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18
Turn over in the bowl.
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19
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
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20
Uncover dough and punch down again.
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21
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and cut into 12 equal pieces.
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22
As you work with each piece of dough, keep the rest covered.
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23
Working with one piece at a time, shape dough into a smooth ball.
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24
Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand and place on prepared baking sheet.
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25
If desired, brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
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26
Repeat with remaining dough, placing at least 4 inches (10 cm) apart on sheets.
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27
Cover with towels and let rise for 30 minutes, until slightly risen.
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28
Flatten gently again.
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29
Meanwhile, place oven racks in the lower middle and upper middle positions and preheat oven to 375 (190C).
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30
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, switching baking sheets halfway through, until buns are golden and reach an internal temperature of 200F (100C).
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31
Remove to wire racks and let cool completely.