Parker House Rolls

Parker House Rolls are the buttery, slightly sweet, and incredibly fluffy rolls that have become a staple in many homes, especially during festive gatherings. With their origins embedded in the 19th century at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, these rolls have a charming history that adds to their appeal. The rolls boast a soft texture and are simply irresistible with their golden-brown tops and tender interiors. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, slathered in butter, or paired with your favorite dinner, they are bound to bring warmth to your table.

Parker House Rolls

When I first tried making Parker House Rolls, I was enchanted by how simple the process was with just a handful of ingredients. The aroma that wafted through my kitchen was nothing short of enchanting, promising a treat that was both heavenly and heartfelt. These rolls are not just food; they evoke memories of family dinners and celebrations where they steal the show. Their versatility allows them to shine at casual meals as well as special occasions. Ready to impress your loved ones? Let’s get started on this delightful journey of baking Parker House Rolls together!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Just 185 minutes of prep time for astonishingly delicious results.
  • Irresistible Flavor: A perfect combination of buttery richness and a hint of sweetness.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Beautifully folded structures that look as good as they taste, making them ideal for gatherings.
  • Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner rolls, breakfast with jams, or a snack any time.
  • Comforting & Homey: They are a cozy addition to any meal, invoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Nonstick spray – For greasing your baking dish and preventing sticking.
  • ¼ cup sugar, divided (2 oz., 50g) – Sweetens the dough and helps it rise; feel free to use honey as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that helps the rolls rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
  • ¼ cup warm water – The ideal temperature (105°F-110°F) is crucial for activating the yeast.
  • 1 cup milk (8 oz.) – Warmed milk adds richness; you can also use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, divided – For a soft texture and a delicious buttery flavor; be sure to melt for the dough and brush the rolls.
  • 4½ cups flour (675g, plus dusting) – The foundation of your dough; all-purpose flour works beautifully here.
  • 1 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness in the dough; kosher salt is a great choice.
  • 2 eggs – Eggs enrich the rolls and help them rise beautifully; room-temperature eggs yield the best texture.

How to Make Parker House Rolls

Parker House Rolls
  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and spraying a 9×13 dish with nonstick spray to keep the rolls from sticking.
  2. Bloom the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine ⅛ cup (2 tbsp) sugar, the active dry yeast, and warm water. Allow to sit for at least 5 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy.
  3. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently warm the milk with 4 tbsp of butter, stirring until melted. Avoid boiling. If it feels hot, let it cool slightly.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup flour, salt, and the remaining sugar. Give it a quick stir to distribute everything evenly.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Add the milk mixture, yeast, and eggs into the dry ingredients. Mix everything with a rubber spatula until the dough forms and is smooth.
  6. Incorporate Flour Gradually: Begin adding flour, ½ cup at a time. You can switch to a whisk until it becomes thick, then use your hands as it gets tougher to mix.
  7. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough ball to a floured counter. Knead it with your hands for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Lightly flour your hands if the dough gets sticky.
  8. Let It Rise: Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray, place your kneaded dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 90 minutes until it’s doubled in size.
  9. Shape the Rolls: Once risen, move the dough to a floured surface, divide it into two halves, and roll each half into a ½-inch-thick rectangle (about 8×11 inches).
  10. Butter & Cut the Dough: Melt the remaining 4 tbsp of butter and brush half over the rectangles. Cut the rectangles in half again lengthwise to form 4 pieces.
  11. Fold and Cut Again: Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, leaving a ½-inch unfolded flap. Cut each piece into 4 even sections, resulting in 16 rolls.
  12. Final Rise: Turn the rolls over and place them in the greased dish. Cover with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional hour while preheating the oven to 350°F.
  13. Bake to Perfection: Once risen and the oven is ready, bake your lovely rolls for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top.
  14. Brush & Enjoy: When they’re fresh from the oven, brush with the remaining 2 tbsp of butter for that glossy finish. Now it’s time to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Parker House Rolls, keep them at room temperature in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in a warm oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. To refresh the texture, consider covering them with foil to prevent any over-browning.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid overworking your dough; too much kneading can make the rolls tough. Just knead until smooth.
  • Ensure your yeast is active before adding it to the mixture; dough won’t rise properly with inactive yeast.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the top after brushing with butter for flavor.
  • If the dough sticks while you knead, lightly flour your hands and the working surface as needed.
  • These rolls can be made ahead of time; simply shape them and store them in the fridge overnight before the final rise and bake.

These Parker House Rolls are a surefire hit whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home. They are fluffy, buttery, and comforting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings or toppings, like herb butter or garlic, to make them your own. Get your family and friends involved in the rolling and shaping—we all know that baking together creates the best memories. Enjoy the warm aroma that fills your kitchen and the smiles that follow when you share these delightful rolls!

Parker House Rolls

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Parker House Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate them overnight; just let them rise at room temperature for about an hour before baking.

What’s the best way to ensure my rolls are fluffy?

The key to fluffy Parker House Rolls is to allow the dough to rise adequately in a warm environment. Ensuring your yeast is fresh and using warm ingredients (not hot) will help your rolls to be light and airy.

Can I freeze the baked rolls?

Yes, you can freeze baked rolls! Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw and reheat in the oven.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

Your rolls are ready when they are golden brown on top, and tapping the bottom sounds hollow. If you have a thermometer, an internal temperature of around 190°F is perfect.

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Parker-House-Rolls-Recipe

Parker House Rolls

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  • Author: Naomi
  • Prep Time: 185 minutes
  • Cook Time: 210 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 rolls 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Parker House Rolls are irresistibly soft and buttery, making them the ideal side for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy prep, these rolls will delight everyone at the table!


Ingredients

Scale
  • nonstick spray
  • ¼ cup sugar (divided)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 1 cup milk (warmed)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (divided)
  • 4½ cups flour (plus dusting)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs


Instructions

  1. Prepare all ingredients and spray a 9×13 dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ⅛ cup sugar, active dry yeast, and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Warm the milk and 4 Tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted. Cool slightly before using.
  4. In a large bowl, mix ½ cup flour, salt, and remaining sugar.
  5. Add the milk mixture, yeast, and eggs to the bowl; mix until smooth with a rubber spatula.
  6. Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, combining with a whisk until thick. Use hands to mix in final ½ cup of flour.
  7. Move the dough to a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Dust with flour if sticky.
  8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  9. After rising, transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide it in half. Roll each half into a ½-inch thick rectangle.
  10. Melt the remaining 4 Tbsp butter and brush half onto the rectangles. Cut each into 4 strips, creating 4 rectangles.
  11. Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise, and cut into 4 pieces for 16 rolls total.
  12. Turn rolls over and place in the prepared dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for an hour. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  13. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Brush with remaining butter before serving.

Notes

Ensure the water and milk are warmed appropriately for yeast activation.
If dough is too sticky while kneading, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
For added flavor, consider sprinkling herbs on top before baking.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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