Parker House's Best Buns

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/3 cups whole milk
• 220 g unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 0.5 cup warm water (approximately 43°C)
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast (2 and 1/4 tsp)
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1.5 tsp coarse salt
• 5 and 3/4 cups of premium flour, plus extra for working with the dough
• Sea salt flakes, such as Maldon, for sprinkling

Preparation:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 110g (8 tbsp) butter and sugar and let melt. Set aside to cool.
2. Pour warm water into a small liquid measuring cup and add the yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, 1.5 teaspoons of salt, and half the flour. Mix on medium speed until evenly combined, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a smooth ball forms. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue mixing until the dough is very smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
4. Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough in it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 60-75 minutes.
5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 110 g (8 tbsp) butter.
6. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray, line it with parchment paper, then spray the paper with cooking spray.
7. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto the prepared work surface. Use your hands to flatten it into a smooth ball.
   
   
   When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and remove any excess. Scooping flour directly from the bag with a measuring cup will compact it, resulting in dry baked goods.
8. Using a large knife or bench scraper, divide the dough into 24 pieces and then form into balls. Arrange them in the prepared pan in 4 x 6 rows, then brush the tops of the buns with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Remove the plastic wrap from the dough and sprinkle the buns lightly with sea salt. Bake until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Serve the buns warm.