Instructions

1. Add 1 and 1/4 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into a small saucepan on your stove. Set your stove to "medium high" and heat the mixture until it just starts to gently bubble. Turn off the heat and insert a thermometer into the mixture, then let it sit until it cools down to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Combine 1/4 cup of warm water and 1/4 oz. package of active dry yeast into a mixing bowl while the milk mixture is cooling. Wait about five minutes for the yeast to lightly bubble. Pour the milk mixture onto the foamy yeast.

3. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 5 cups of flour and 2 tsp. of salt. Set your mixer to "low" and combine the ingredients for about two minutes or until the flour is completely mixed in. Set your mixer to "medium" after the flour is mixed in, then combine the ingredients for about five minutes or until they form a sticky dough.

4. Pour about 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil into another large mixing bowl and use your hands to spread the oil in an even layer across the bottom and sides of the bowl. Place the dough into the oil-coated bowl and use your hands to move the dough around so each side is lightly covered with oil. Drape a cloth or kitchen towel over the top of the bowl and let the dough sit for about two hours or until it is twice its original size.

5. Spread enough butter across your two 13 by 9 inch baking dishes to completely coat the bottoms and the sides, then set them aside. Sprinkle flour in a light, even layer on a flat surface (such as your counter or a wooden breadboard), then transfer your dough onto it. Use the heel of your hand to gently press down on the dough to slightly flatten it.

6. Separate the dough into 16 equal pieces, then use a rolling pin to gently flatten each of them into an oblong shape (about six inches long). Position the buns evenly among the buttered baking dishes so that each pan has two columns containing eight buns. Space the two columns as far apart as possible.

7. Drizzle vegetable oil onto enough plastic wrap to cover the buns and use your hands to gently spread the oil. Drape the plastic wrap over the buns and let them sit for another hour and 30 minutes or until the side of the buns start to touch.

8. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the hot dog buns for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Slice the buns vertically down the sides without cutting all the way through before serving.