Stir the water, butter, milk and honey together in a small saucepan or in a microwave safe bowl or measuring cup. Heat the mixture until it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit (this temperature feels like a warm bath).Give the mixture a quick stir to make sure the butter is completely melted and the honey has dissolved. NOTE: If using the microwave, heat up the mixture in small intervals stirring in between each interval to make sure it heats up evenly.
Pour the warm liquid mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. NOTE: To keep the mixture from dropping below the 110 degrees temperature, I warm up the mixer’s bowl, by placing it under running hot tap water for a minute or so. I usually only get the outside of the bowl wet. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm liquid and stir. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes. During this time the yeast will activate and get foamy.
Add only 3 1/2 cups of the flour and salt. Mix on low speed and gradually increase to medium-low speed until combined.
If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, slowly add just enough of the remaining flour so the dough doesn't stick. Add the flour a tablespoon at a time, you can always add more if needed however, you can't take it out if you add too much. Continue mixing for about 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough should be lightly sticky but manageable.
With your hands, form the dough into a ball. Grease a bowl lightly with melted butter, put the dough in the bowl, then turn it over so the top is lightly buttered. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and allow it to rise for 15 minutes.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with melted butter or cooking spray, set aside.
Drop the dough onto a lightly floured surface, punch down the dough and shape it into an even level rectangle (or any shape you want). Cut the dough into 15 equal portions (you don’t need to be exact). Form each piece into a ball and place them in the prepared baking dish. Cover and allow it to rise for 15 to 20 minutes in a warm area in your kitchen.
Bake uncover for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls are cooked through. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter (or with garlic herb butter). Serve warm.