Step 1

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in 1 cup boiling water. Cool. Stir in eggs.

Step 2

Combine yeast and 1 cup warm water in a 1-cup glass measuring cup; let stand 5 minutes. Stir into egg mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until blended. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.

Step 3

Pinch off one-third of dough.

Step 4

Cover and chill remaining dough up to 5 days, if desired.

Step 5

Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut with a 2-inch round cutter. Place 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Brush with melted butter. Let rise at room temperature 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.

Step 6

Bake at 375° for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.

Step 7

Cinnamon Rolls: Roll one-third of dough into a 14- x 10-inch rectangle. Brush with 1/2 cup melted butter; sprinkle with 1/3 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Roll up, starting at a long end; cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Place in 2 lightly greased 9-inch round cakepans. Let rise and bake as directed above. Stir together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 teaspoons milk; drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Yield: about 1 1/2 dozen.

Step 8

Herb Rolls: Follow procedure for Cinnamon rolls, substituting 1 tablespoon each chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh rosemary for sugar and cinnamon. Omit powdered sugar glaze. Yield: about 1 1/2 dozen.