In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl add warm water and dry yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt and mix well.

Begin adding in flour, one cup at a time while mixing with a dough hook until the dough sticks together and no longer sticks to the edges of the bowl. (If kneading by hand once dough is workable, dump out onto a floured surface and knead by hand until smooth and elastic. Place dough back into the bowl.)

Remove the mixer attachment and cover the bowl with a clean towel. Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Dump out dough onto a well floured surface and divide in half with a dough cutter, or just use your hands to pinch it apart.

Form each piece of dough into a round and cut each into 8-12 pieces. Pinch the sides in to make the seam at the bottom of the bun.

Place the buns three inches apart on greased baking sheets and gently press them down with your fingers to flatten them.

Let rise until doubled

If desired, beat an egg in a bowl and brush on top of each bun. Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning on top.

Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit for 16-18 minutes until golden

Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container.