Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. Combine all of the ingredients and mix and knead to form an elastic, slightly sticky dough., Allow the dough to rise in a lightly greased bowl until it's almost doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours., Turn the dough onto a lightly floured or lightly oiled work surface., Divide it into 16 pieces, and roll each piece into a ball., Place the balls in a lightly greased 11" x 11" pan or into two 8" or 9" round pans., Cover and allow to rise for about 1 hour, until very puffy., Preheat the oven to 375°F., Bake the buns in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 to 24 minutes, until they're lightly browned., Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter if desired (for a soft crust)., Store, well-wrapped, for 4 days at room temperature. Freeze for up to a month.