Whisk water and flour together in a microwave safe bowl until there are no lumps. Microwave the mixture, whisking every 20 seconds until it thickens to a smooth, pudding like consistency
Dough
Whisk the paste with milk in an electric mixer until smooth, then whisk in the egg. Add flour and yeast and mix on low speed with the paddle attachment until all the flour is incorporated. Let sit for 15 minutes
Add the sugar and salt and mix on medium-low speed for 5 minutes, then add softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time until incorporated and continue to mix for an additional 5 minutes (be sure to scrape down sides as needed)
Place dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead briefly to form a ball and place in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Place dough on lightly floured surface and press gently to remove the air. Pat and stretch to form an 8 inch by 9 inch rectangle. With the short side facing you, cut dough into 4 equal strips and cut each strip into 3 equal pieces. Press one piece at a time into an 4 inch by 2 inch strip and roll each one into a tight cylinder. Place seam side down in prepared pan, pointing inward. Place 10 around the pan and 2 in the center
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour
Preheat oven to 375ยบ. Bake until deep golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 3 minutes, remove and brush with melted butter and let cool before serving
Notes
Dough can be refrigerated after formed into rolls; be sure to remove them from the refrigerator and sit out in room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to baking.