There is something truly magical about homemade rolls, especially when they melt in your mouth with every bite. The Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe captures that essence perfectly, delivering tender, fluffy rolls with a golden buttery crust that feel like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday dinner or a cozy family meal, these rolls bring an irresistible combination of softness and rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating those soft, buttery Parker House rolls we all love. From the gentle warmth of the milk to the richness of the butter and the magic of yeast, every item lends its unique touch to the dough’s texture and flavor.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons): This is the secret behind your rolls’ light and airy crumb, making them perfectly fluffy.
- Warm water (1/4 cup at about 110°F/45°C): Helps activate the yeast, starting the fermentation process that makes the dough rise beautifully.
- Warm milk (1 cup at about 110°F/45°C): Adds tenderness and enriches the dough, keeping the crumb soft.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Not only sweetens slightly but also feeds the yeast for a strong rise.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup plus more for brushing): Provides that signature rich, buttery flavor and a tender crust.
- Large egg (1): Adds moisture, richness, and helps bind the dough together for a perfect texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): The foundation of the dough, ensuring your rolls hold their shape while remaining soft.
How to Make Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving your yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar. This little step wakes up the yeast, making sure it’s lively and ready to work its magic. You’ll want to wait about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy—that’s a good sign your dough will rise perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl or your trusty stand mixer, blend warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and the egg. Stir in the activated yeast, then slowly add your flour, about a cup at a time. You’re aiming for a soft dough that’s still a bit sticky to the touch—this balance keeps the rolls tender.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Time to work those hands or let your mixer do the heavy lifting. Knead on a floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour, but don’t overdo it—too much flour might dry out your rolls.
Step 4: First Rise
Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and place it somewhere warm. Give it about an hour to double in size. This rise is what gives your makes your Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe so fluffy and light.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
Gently punch down the dough to release any large air bubbles, then roll it out to around 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter about 2 to 3 inches wide to cut circles, then lightly brush the tops with melted butter. Fold each circle in half and press the edges just so—they puff up beautifully with that classic shape.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the folded rolls close together on a greased baking sheet, cover again, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll notice they get puffy and soft—this second rise helps build that tender crumb we crave.
Step 7: Bake and Butter the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake these beauties for 15 to 20 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The moment they come out of the oven, brush them generously with melted butter to lock in moisture and add that irresistible shiny finish.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
Garnishes
While these rolls are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just after brushing with butter elevates their flavor. You can also try a light brush of honey butter or a dash of fresh herbs for an extra special touch.
Side Dishes
Parker House Rolls are true crowd-pleasers alongside hearty soups, stews, or roasted meats. Think comforting mashed potatoes and gravy or a colorful autumn salad. Their soft texture makes them perfect for soaking up savory sauces and gravies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, arrange the rolls in a circular pattern on a platter and serve with bowls of herb butter or flavored cream cheese spreads. You can also slice and use them for mini sliders, turning these humble rolls into star party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. Warm slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive your Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can cover them lightly with foil to avoid over-browning. A quick brush of butter after warming always brings them back to life.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be used, but you can skip the initial activation step. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe. It might even speed up your rising time.
What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?
Dough consistency can vary based on humidity and flour type. If too sticky, add a little flour by tablespoons until manageable. If too dry, add a small splash of warm milk. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky or dry.
Can I make these rolls with whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, but the rolls might be a bit denser. Experiment with a 50/50 blend for a nice balance.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this recipe?
Nope! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead by hand just as well. It just might take a little extra elbow grease.
How long do these rolls stay fresh?
Freshly baked Parker House Rolls are best enjoyed within two days. Storing them airtight and warming before serving helps maintain their soft texture longer.
Final Thoughts
Making the Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe is a joyful experience that rewards you with irresistibly soft, rich, and buttery rolls every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying rolls from scratch for the first time, this recipe brings warmth and comfort right to your table. Give it a try and watch how these rolls steal the spotlight at your next meal!
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Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfectly golden brown, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Their tender, fluffy texture and rich flavor come from the simple yet classic combination of butter, milk, and yeast, gently kneaded and baked to perfection. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or just a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- Pinch of sugar (to activate yeast)
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water along with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to use.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Stir in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring to form a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Add more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to approximately 1/2-inch thickness. Using a round cutter about 2-3 inches in diameter, cut out dough circles. Lightly brush each circle with melted butter, fold in half, and gently press edges to seal.
- Second Rise: Arrange the folded rolls close together on a greased baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until they puff up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the rolls.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Brush with Butter: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with melted butter to create a shiny, rich finish.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Parker House Rolls warm with extra butter or your favorite spreads for the best experience.
Notes
- Ensure liquids are warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- If the dough is too sticky during kneading, add flour gradually to achieve the right consistency.
- Keep the rising dough in a warm, draft-free spot to help it double in size efficiently.
- Brushing with melted butter before folding adds richness and helps seal the rolls.
- For extra softness, cover the rolls with a damp towel during the second rise.
- Use fresh active dry yeast for the best rising results.
