Parker House Rolls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Parker House Rolls are loved for their perfect balance of softness and flavor. The dough rises to a fluffy texture, and the buttery finish makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The best part? They’re versatile enough to serve at a casual dinner or for a holiday celebration. This recipe yields a perfect batch of 16 rolls, giving you plenty to serve and share. The recipe also allows for customization, such as freezing the dough or making them ahead of time for convenience. Whether you’re eating them fresh or saving them for later, they’ll be a hit!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ¼ cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F

• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided

• 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt

• 1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk, both at room temperature

• 3 ½ to 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for brushing on dough, divided

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and warm milk. Whisk gently to combine, then let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add 2 ½ cups of flour, salt, butter, the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, egg, and egg yolk to the bowl. Attach the paddle attachment and mix on the lowest speed until combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Increase the speed to medium-low and mix for 2 minutes.

3. Switch to the dough hook and add ½ cup of flour, incorporating it at low speed before increasing to medium-low. Mix for 2 more minutes.

4. Add another ½ cup of flour and repeat, mixing at medium speed for an additional 2 minutes. The dough should form a soft ball and pull away from the sides but remain sticky. Add flour a little at a time as necessary.

5. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free space for 45 to 90 minutes, until doubled in size.

6. Gently punch the dough down, then transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll or pat out the dough into a rectangle approximately 8” x 12” in size.

7. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of softened butter, then cut the dough lengthwise into two 4” x 12” rectangles. Fold each rectangle lengthwise, leaving a small edge exposed, then cut each piece into four smaller pieces, yielding a total of 16 pieces.

8. Place the rolls into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, folding side down. Repeat the process with the second batch of dough.

9. Cover the dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffy. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

10. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining butter before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 16 rolls

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Rise time: 2 hours (for both rises combined)

Variations

• Using rapid-rise yeast: If you prefer rapid-rise yeast, you can substitute it for active dry yeast. The rise times will be slightly reduced, and you can skip the initial waiting period for the yeast to foam.

• Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time by completing the recipe up until the second rise. Then, refrigerate the dough overnight or for up to 12 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before baking.

• Freezing: Bake the rolls, allow them to cool, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven to serve. Alternatively, freeze the dough after the second rise, letting it sit in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and bake as directed.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls after they cool completely. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat rolls in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm and soft again. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for these rolls?

Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will make the rolls denser. If you want to substitute, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

2. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can make them by hand! Just knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, after the second rise, you can freeze the dough. Once frozen, allow the dough to thaw at room temperature and bake as usual.

4. How can I make sure my rolls rise properly?

Ensure your dough rises in a warm, draft-free place. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough near a warm oven or in a proofing box to help it rise effectively.

5. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by about half to adjust for the extra salt in the butter.

6. Why is my dough too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky, add small amounts of flour at a time until it becomes manageable, but avoid adding too much. The dough should be slightly sticky but soft.

7. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature; it should reach about 190°F.

8. Can I make these rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the second rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before baking the next day.

9. How long will these rolls stay fresh?

Parker House Rolls are best enjoyed within 3 days when stored at room temperature. You can freeze them for longer storage.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe if you need more rolls. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

These Parker House Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and fluffy goodness. They are incredibly easy to make and can be customized for different occasions. Whether you’re preparing for a big holiday dinner or just want a delicious side dish, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. From the dough's perfect texture to the final golden-brown rolls, you’ll love how simple and satisfying these rolls are to make and eat.