Pyshlki (Soviet Fried Buns)

In a bowl, combine water with warm milk. Add sugar, salt, and yeast to the liquid and mix thoroughly.

Crack eggs into the mixture and blend well. Add flour and softened butter, then knead the dough.

Dust your work surface with flour and knead until you have a smooth, elastic ball that doesn't stick.

Oil the dough lightly and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for an hour. Punch it down and divide into 18 equal pieces. Cover loosely with plastic and let rest for 15 minutes. Poke your finger through the center of each piece and gently stretch to create the characteristic hole.

Heat 400-500 ml of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pyshlki until golden brown on both sides.