Warm the milk and butter in a pot until it reaches 37 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit).

Mix it with dry yeast and sugar and stir it together in a stand mixer.

Add salt and 2/3 of the flour. Mix on high speed for 3 minutes and gradually add a bit more flour until you have a soft dough.

Dust flour on your countertop and place the dough on it.

Knead further by hand for 8-10 minutes until you have a smooth and elastic dough.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise for 1 hour (or until the dough has doubled in size).

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).

Take the dough out and knead it. Divide it into two equal parts. Shape each part into a tight and smooth ball.

Bring water and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

Boil each ball in the solution for 1 minute on each side.

Remove the balls with a slotted spoon and place them on parchment paper. Be careful not to touch the solution with your fingers.

Once all the balls are boiled, get them ready for the oven.

Beat the egg together with water in a small bowl.

Brush all the balls on top and score a cross on top. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Place them in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit).

Reduce the temperature to 175 degrees Celsius (347 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake for another 10-12 minutes until they are golden all over.

Take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.