Mix and knead all of the ingredients together — by hand, mixer, or bread machine set on the dough cycle — to make a smooth, soft dough.
Let the dough rise for 90 minutes to 2 hours, until it’s quite puffy though not necessarily doubled.
Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 16 large balls, or 24 smaller balls.
Round each piece of dough into a smooth ball and place in a lightly greased 9" x 13" pan.
Cover the pan and let the rolls rise for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until they're quite puffy.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Uncover the rolls and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they're a light golden brown and feel set.
Remove the rolls from the oven and carefully turn them out of the pan onto a rack.
Brush with melted butter, if desired.
