Description
Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet yeast rolls perfect as a side dish for any meal. These homemade rolls feature a tender crumb and a golden crust thanks to a double rise and generous butter brushing. Easy to make and ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners, they promise warm, comforting bread straight from your oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Warm the milk until about 110°F, then stir in the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: In a large bowl, combine the foamy yeast mixture with 1/4 cup of the softened butter, flour, salt, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to form.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2- to 3-inch rounds. Fold each round in half and press lightly to seal.
- Arrange rolls: Place the folded rounds in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish or a sheet pan with the fold side down.
- Second rise: Cover loosely and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven and brush butter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter and brush the tops of the rolls generously.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Final butter brush and serve: Brush more melted butter over the top after baking for extra richness. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or herbs like rosemary or thyme to the melted butter before brushing.
- The rolls freeze well either before baking or after baking; thaw and reheat when needed.
