PREPARATION:

1. Combine 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and salt in large bowl. Combine milk and butter in 1-quart saucepan. Heat over low heat until mixture is 120° to 130°F. (Butter does not need to completely melt.)
2. Gradually beat milk mixture into flour mixture at medium speed with electric mixer 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, vanilla and 1 cup flour at low speed. Increase speed to medium; beat 2 minutes. Stir in enough additional flour, about 2 cups, to make soft dough.
3. Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface; flatten slightly. Knead dough about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic, adding remaining 1/4 cup flour to prevent sticking if necessary.
4. Shape dough into a ball; place in large greased bowl. Turn dough over so that top is greased. Cover with towel; let rise in warm place 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
5. Punch down dough. Knead dough on lightly floured surface 1 minute. Cover with towel; let rest 10 minutes.