There’s something truly magical about pulling a tray of warm, buttery Parker House Rolls from the oven. These pillowy-soft rolls have a rich, buttery flavor and that signature fold that makes them perfect for pulling apart bite by bite. Whether you’re making them for a special holiday dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, they bring a touch of old-fashioned elegance to the table.
If you’re craving the fluffiest, most buttery dinner rolls, look no further—these Parker House Rolls are pure bread-basket perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Buttery: These rolls have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich, buttery taste.
- Classic and Elegant: Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or just a simple family meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped ahead of time, so you can bake fresh rolls when you need them.
- Easier Than You Think: While they look fancy, the process is surprisingly simple with my step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving just the right texture.
- Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps keep the rolls soft.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for that signature buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch enhances the flavor and helps with browning.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the rolls rise to fluffy perfection.
- Egg: Adds structure and a little extra richness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the dough to mix evenly.
- If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk, but avoid skim—it won’t give the same richness.
- A little extra butter brushed on top before and after baking makes them even more irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm the milk: In a saucepan or microwave, gently warm the milk until it’s about 110°F—just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Activate the yeast: Sprinkle the yeast and sugar into the warm milk and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into rectangles and fold each one in half lengthwise, pressing the edges lightly to seal.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Brush the tops with melted butter and bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Final butter brush: As soon as they come out of the oven, brush with more butter for that glossy finish.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Proofing Tip: If your kitchen is cool, place the dough in the oven with the light on (but the oven off). The gentle warmth will help it rise.
- Troubleshooting Yeast: If your yeast doesn’t foam up after 5-7 minutes, it may be expired. Start over with fresh yeast.
- For Extra Buttery Goodness: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a gourmet touch.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Herb Parker House Rolls: Add a teaspoon of minced garlic and some finely chopped rosemary to the butter before brushing on top.
- Cheesy Parker House Rolls: Sprinkle shredded parmesan or cheddar inside the fold before baking.
- Serving Ideas: These rolls pair beautifully with soups, stews, or a classic roast dinner.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After the first rise, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Bake them, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Rewarm in the oven for a fresh-baked taste!
Buttery Parker House Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until dough forms.
- Knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into rectangles, and fold each piece in half.
- Arrange on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush rolls with melted butter and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with additional butter and enjoy!
There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked rolls filling your kitchen. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Drop a comment below or share a picture of your beautiful golden rolls on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Happy baking!