Pour warm water in a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer. Then add the sugar (or honey), and yeast. Mix gently.

After about five minutes you should see the yeast starting to react with the sugar. Once you see this you are on your way!

Add flour and mix until dough comes together.

Knead for five minutes with dough hook or by hand. The dough will be somewhat sticky. Form into a ball.

Spread the olive oil on dough ball, place into a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel.

Let dough rise in a warm area (I use the microwave. Don't turn it on.) for 60 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.

Place dough on lightly floured surface and divide into eight pieces.

Roll each piece into a bun and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Cover buns with lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

While rising, make the topping by melting the butter and then adding the water and sugar. Mix well. You will be brushing the mixture on three times while baking the buns.

After 10 minutes, rise brush mixture on buns and place in oven and bake for eight minutes. After eight minutes, rotate baking sheet and brush on more mixture. Bake for an additional 4-6 minutes or until golden brown.

Sprinkle with sea salt (optional).