Make the yeast water

• Warm the water to between 110 and 114 °F (43-46 °C), checking with a thermometer.
• Add the yeast and sugar to the warm water.
• Stir and set aside until the yeast is dissolved, bubbly and foamy on top.

Mix the dough

• Pour the dissolved yeast water into the mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl.
• Add the butter and salt.
• Add the flour one cup at a time until everything is mixed together; the dough will look crumbly and shaggy.

Knead the dough

• Knead the dough in the mixer, or by hand in a bowl, until smooth and elastic.

First rise

• Grease a bowl and place the dough in it, turning so all sides are coated.
• Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size.

Shape and second rise

• Cut the dough in half and shape each piece into a loaf.
• Grease two bread pans and place one loaf in each.
• Cover and let them sit until doubled in size.

Bake

• Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
• Place the loaves in the oven, lower the temperature to 375 °F (190 °C) and bake until golden and done.

Cool and finish

• Turn the loaves out onto a cooling rack.
• Spread butter over the tops.