Combine milk, water, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes until mixture is foamy. Add butter and set aside.

Mix flours and salt in a big bowl.

Slowly add the flour mixture into the milk-yeast mixture with mixer running on low (hook attachment) until the dough pulls away from the bottom of the bowl and a dough forms. Knead dough on low speed for 3-5 minutes until smooth and pliable.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 2 hours at room temperature.

Dust your work surface with a little flour and turn the risen dough out on top. Divide the dough into 16 pieces. To shape into rolls, roll the dough against the counter until round.

Place the balls on a lightly greased baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Brush each roll generously with whole milk or egg wash, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and pretzel salt, if desired.

Bake 20 minutes until rolls are golden brown and baked through. Remove them from the oven, and transfer to a rack to cool.