Sweet Bread Dough

Directions

1. 1
   In a large bowl, combine sugar, salt, yeast and 2 cups flour. In 2-quart saucepan over low heat, slowly heat milk and butter until very warm (120° to 130°).
2. 2
   Butter does not need to melt. With mixer at low speed, gradually beat liquid into dry ingredients.
3. 3
   Increase speed to medium.
4. 4
   Beat 2 more minutes, occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula.
5. 5
   Beat in eggs and 2 cups flour.
6. 6
   Continue beating 2 minutes, occasionally scraping bowl.
7. 7
   With spoon, stir in enough additional flour (about 4 1/4 cups) to make a soft dough.
8. 8
   Turn dough onto lightly floured surface.
9. 9
   Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
10. 10
    Shape into a ball.
11. 11
    Turn over in greased large bowl to grease top.
12. 12
    Cover and let rise in warm place until dough is doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough.
13. 13
    On lightly floured surface, divide into pieces as recipes direct.
14. 14
    Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.