Soft, buttery, and irresistibly fluffy, Parker House Rolls are the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any table. These golden-brown delights boast a tender crumb and a hint of sweetness, perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying on their own. Ready in just 50 minutes, they’re a quick yet impressive addition to any meal.
With their signature fold and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these rolls are a nostalgic nod to classic American baking. The rich aroma of butter and fresh bread fills your kitchen as they bake, promising a treat that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, these rolls are sure to steal the show.
Ingredients for Perfect Parker House Rolls
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces (softened for easier mixing)
- ½ cup sugar (granulated)
- 1 package active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- ½ cup warm water (110°F–115°F, ideal for activating yeast)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten (room temperature preferred)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Parker House Rolls
- Prepare the milk mixture: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat, stir in the butter and sugar until melted, and set aside to cool to lukewarm.
- Activate the yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixer with a dough attachment, combine the cooled milk mixture, eggs, activated yeast, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
- Add remaining flour: Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until a smooth dough ball forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes until elastic and smooth. Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
- First rise: Place the dough in a large bowl sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 60–75 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and shape it into small balls or desired shapes. Place them on a large cookie sheet (15x10x1″) lined with wax paper or a silicone baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the rolls and bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Finish: Remove from the oven and optionally brush with melted butter for a glossy, flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Parker House Rolls are delicious on their own, but they shine even more with a little extra flair. Try brushing them with garlic herb butter (melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley) for a savory twist. For a sweet option, drizzle with honey butter (mix ¼ cup softened butter with 2 tablespoons of honey). These rolls also pair beautifully with cranberry sauce or a side of warm gravy for holiday meals.
Storing and Reheating for Freshness
To keep your Parker House Rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap the rolls in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
If you’re short on time, consider using a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough—it cuts down on manual effort. You can also prepare the dough the night before: after the first rise, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. For even faster results, use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast—it doesn’t need to be dissolved first!
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Want to experiment? Swap out the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour (use half for a lighter texture) or add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins for a sweet twist. For a savory version, fold in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of garlic powder. These rolls are versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Equipment Guidance for Success
Using the right tools makes this recipe a breeze. A stand mixer with a dough hook is ideal for mixing and kneading, but a large bowl and wooden spoon work too. A silicone baking mat or parchment paper prevents sticking, and a kitchen scale ensures accurate flour measurements. If you don’t have a warm spot for rising, place the dough in the oven with the light on—it creates the perfect environment!
Parker House Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 package active dry yeast, equal to 2 ¼ teaspoons
- ½ cup warm water
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Pour milk into a small saucepan and over medium heat, bring to a simmer. Remove saucepan from the stove, stir in the butter and sugar and set aside to let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy.
- Combine milk mixture, eggs, yeast, salt, and 3 cups of the flour in a mixer (I used my Bosch) with the dough attachment and mix until smooth.
- Add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, and stir until a smooth ball forms.
- Remove dough from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface (it also helps to have flour on your hands too!) for about 5 minutes.
- Place dough in a large bowl sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 60 to 75 minutes).
- Remove the dough from the bowl and on a floured surface, punch down the dough and shape into desired shapes (I just made little balls for rolls).
- Place on a large cookie sheet (15x10x1″) that has been covered with wax paper or a silicone baking sheet . Cover dough and let rise until doubled in size (about 30 to 40 minutes).
- Preheat the oven 350℉ and remove covering from rolls. Bake for about 20 minutes or until rolls start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving (completely optional, but it is delicious!).