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1
In a small bowl or glass measuring cup, dissolve 1 teaspoon of sugar in the warm water. Add the yeast, stir to combine, then let it sit for 10 minutes until very foamy.
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2
Put the yeast mixture in the bowl of a stand mixture and add the warm milk, 1/3 cup of sugar, softened butter and salt. Give it a quick mix to combine. Add the egg and mix. Switch from the paddle attachment to the dough hook, and gradually add the flour, 1/2 a cup at a time.
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3
Once all the flour has been added, let it mix with the dough hook for 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic, no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl, and in a rough ball shape.
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4
Get a large bowl out and grease it generously with butter. Turn the dough out onto the counter, shape into a rough ball, and place into the greased bowl. Turn the dough over a few times to coat with butter so it won't stick. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and put it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size (about and hour). I like to do this in the oven with just the light on.
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5
When the dough has risen give it a quick punch to deflate. Tear off palm sized pieces of dough and shape into rounds. With the dough in the fingers of both hands, pull the right and left sides of the dough down and under. Turn the dough 90u00b0 in your hands and do it again (so it's like the north, east, south, and west sides of the roll have been pulled under). The top should now look taut and smooth. Put the roll on your counter (no need to flour), and cup your hand over it. Gently move your hand in a quick circular motion. You'll feel the dough take shape and slightly firm up under your hand (this only takes about 3 seconds to do).
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6
Place the rolls on parchment paper- or Silpat-lined baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between them. Once you are done with all of the dough, cover the sheets with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise on the counter for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400u00b0F while the buns rise.
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7
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter and honey.
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8
Just before you put the buns in the oven, brush the tops with honey butter.
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9
Bake for 10 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. If using as dinner rolls, brush the tops with honey butter again straight out of the oven.
