Put water and yeast in a large mixing bowl and add the next 4 ingredients. Beat with a dough hook until well blended.
Add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms (it should not be sticky).
Turn out onto a floured board and knead a few times until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 45 minutes.
Punch down the dough and turn out onto a floured board.
Shape into 12 rolls and place in a greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Let rise again about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Bake for 20 minutes.
Brush tops of rolls with butter (or equivalent).
