Add milk to a large bowl; sprinkle yeast over surface. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Beat in sugar, ½ cup softened butter, eggs, and salt; blend thoroughly. Gradually stir in flour until a soft dough forms. Cover bowl; set in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Punch down dough, cover the bowl, allow to rise again. Repeat this step two more times.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Break off 2- to 3-inch-sized dough pieces, lightly roll into a round shape; place in the prepared baking dish with edges touching. Repeat to make 36 dough balls. Cover and let rise until doubled in volume.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Bake in the preheated oven until tops turn golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle ½ cup melted butter over tops; serve warm.