In a standup mixer with a paddle attachment add yeast, sugar, salt, and 1 cup flour.
Add hot water and mix at medium speed for 2 min. or until smooth. Add eggs one at a time and beat well after each. Add 2 more cups of flour slowly and mix well.
Add butter, a few pieces at a time, and mix well until completely incorporated. Add the remaining flour, dough will still be sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, let rise for 3 hours until doubled. Deflate and cover again, refrigerate for 6-18 hours. The dough can be frozen at this point if desired. Thaw before proceeding.
Line a 12 cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Turn out dough onto a floured surface. Do not use more than 1/2 cup of flour. Gently knead the dough and form into a ball.
Cut the dough in half and reserve the other half to make a braid or loaf later, covering the unused portion with a towel or plastic wrap. Mix the sugar coating ingredients together.
Nip off small pieces of dough, roll into balls about 1" in diameter each, and toss in the sugar coating. Place in the muffin tin filling them to 3/4 full. Cover lightly and allow to rise in a warm draft-free spot for 30-40 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for 20 min. until golden brown. Let cool and mix glaze ingredients and drizzle.