Combine yeast and warm water; let stand 5 minutes.
Combine yeast mixture, 1 cup flour, sugar, salt, and margarine; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer 2 minutes. Stir in 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour to make a soft dough.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour over work surface. Turn dough out onto surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
Place in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; turn to coat top. Cover; let rise in a warm place (85), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.
Punch dough down; divide into thirds. Divide and shape each third into 12 balls. Arrange balls evenly in three 8-inch square baking pans coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 40 minutes or until doubled in bulk.