Fluffy Buttery Parker House Rolls

Hey there! Today, we’re diving into the world of soft, rich, and incredibly Buttery Parker House Rolls. These delicious rolls are famous for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and that perfectly golden, buttery finish. Trust me, they’re the kind of rolls that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds—if not thirds! Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply want to treat yourself with some indulgent homemade bread, these rolls are a must.

In fact, Parker House rolls originated from the historic Parker House Hotel in Boston, but they’ve found their way onto tables everywhere. They’re slightly sweet, brushed generously with butter, and folded over to create a uniquely fluffy inside with a crusty exterior. This one’s perfect for any occasion, big or small.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients (most of which are pantry staples!).
• These rolls have the perfect balance of soft and chewy, with a golden, buttery top that’s impossible to resist.
• The recipe is versatile—you can make the dough ahead of time for ultimate meal prep convenience.
• They freeze beautifully, so you can bake once and enjoy fresh rolls later!

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Milk: Whole milk is my recommendation for a rich flavor, but you can use 2% if you prefer.
• Active Dry Yeast: This helps the rolls rise to irresistible fluffiness.
• Sugar: A little sweetness balances the savory butter, creating that signature Parker House taste.
• Salt: Just enough to bring out all the flavors.
• Butter: Unsalted is best. You’ll want to soften some for the dough and melt the rest for brushing the tops post-bake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Make sure it’s bread flour or AP for softness—no need for fancy flours!
• Egg: This makes the dough smoother and gives the rolls a delicate structure.

Pro Tips:

Make sure your yeast is fresh—there’s no bigger bummer than dough that refuses to rise! A quick way to check is to mix it with the warm milk and sugar; if it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s ready to go.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the milk: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat until it’s just about 110°F—comfortably warm but not hot.
2. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with the yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy.
3. Make the dough: Add the softened butter, remaining sugar, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Stir in 2 cups of flour and beat with a wooden spoon or mixer with dough hooks until smooth. Gradually add more flour (up to ½ cup) until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic (you should be able to press two fingers into the dough and see it slowly spring back).
5. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll out to a ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut circles. Lightly rub each circle with melted butter, then fold them in half.
7. Bake: Arrange the folded circles in a buttered baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the tops with more melted butter, then bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
8. Final butter brushing: Once out of the oven, give the rolls one last brush of melted butter. Serve warm and prepare for the compliments to roll in (pun intended!).

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Don’t rush the rise! Letting the dough rest and rise properly ensures your rolls will be soft and fluffy.
• You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. Just take it out 30 minutes before shaping the rolls, so it warms up slightly.
• For an extra-special touch, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before they hit the oven.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Herb-infused butter: Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme to your melted butter for a more aromatic roll.
• Garlic twist: Mix a bit of garlic powder into the melted butter for brushing to give these rolls a gentle garlic kick!
• Sweet option: Drizzle them with a light honey glaze if you want a sweet Parker House Roll for breakfast or a brunch side.

These rolls are perfection alongside Thanksgiving dinner, or simply on a Saturday night with a cozy bowl of soup or stew. Oh, and if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make fantastic mini-sandwiches or slider buns!

FAQs

• Can I freeze these rolls? Absolutely! Bake the rolls and let them cool completely before freezing in a sealed zip-top bag. To reheat, just pop them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
• Will these rolls stay fresh for the next day? Yes, they keep well for about 2-3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just warm them slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
• What if I don’t have a stand mixer? No problem! You can knead the dough by hand, though it will take a bit more effort. Just follow the directions and be patient while kneading.

Printable Recipe

Conclusion

I hope you fall in love with these Buttery Parker House Rolls just as much as my family has! Whether it’s a holiday or just a weeknight dinner that needs a little extra flair, these rolls are