In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the flour, sugar, salt and yeast.
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter and egg.
Add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients then, with the dough hook running, slowly add the water until the dough comes together and away from the sides.
Knead until smooth.
Take the bowl off the stand, shape the dough into a ball and put it back in the bowl, cover and rest until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 pieces.
Shape each piece into a log shape and place the buns on a lightly greased or baking paper-lined tray, cover and let rise for about an hour, until almost doubled in size.
Pre heat the oven to 160C fan-forced (375°F).
Brush the buns with melted butter and bake 15 to 18 minutes, until golden.
Remove them from the oven to a wire rack.
For soft buns, cover with a tea towel while cooling.