Step 1

Heat the oven to 400°F.  Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.

Step 2

In a microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan, see below), stir together the water and melted butter, then add in the milk and honey and stir until combined.  Microwave the mixture for 1 minute and give it a stir. Continue microwaving the mixture in 15 second intervals, until it reaches 110°F. It will be warm but not hot to the touch. (*Alternately, you can heat the mixture over medium-low heat in a saucepan until it reaches 110°F.)

Step 3

Pour the liquid mixture into the large bowl of a stand mixer.  Sprinkle the yeast evenly on top, give it a quick stir with a fork to combine, and let the yeast activate for 5 minutes until it is foamy.

Step 4

Add in 3 1/2 cups of flour (not all of the flour) and the salt.

Step 5

(See alternate instructions in the notes below for how to knead the dough by hand.) Use the dough-hook to mix in the dry ingredients on medium-low speed until combined.  If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl, add in 1/4 cup more flour at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and is only slightly sticky to the touch.  (Only use up to 4 cups of flour total.)  Continue mixing on low speed for 4-5 minutes until the dough is smooth.  Then form the dough into a ball with your hands and transfer it to a greased bowl.

Step 6

Cover the bowl with a damp towel or paper towel, and let it rise briefly for 15 minutes.

Step 7

Gently punch the dough down and divide into 15 equal-sized pieces. Form each piece into a ball and place the dough balls in the greased baking dish.  Cover the dish again with a damp towel or paper towel and let the dough balls rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Step 8

Uncover and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 9

Transfer the baking dish to a wire cooling rack and brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter.

Step 10

Then serve warm and enjoy!