If you have a soft spot for irresistibly tender bread that melts in your mouth, then you’re in for a treat with this Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe. These classic rolls boast a pillowy texture with a rich buttery flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or just want to elevate your dinner table any night of the week, these rolls bring the perfect blend of softness and buttery goodness that is impossible to resist.
Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet they each play a vital role in creating the tender crumb, golden crust, and rich flavor of your Parker House rolls. By using fresh yeast and the right balance of sugar, butter, and flour, you set yourself up for a flawless baking experience.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet/2 1/4 teaspoons): This magical ingredient helps your rolls rise beautifully, giving them a light and airy structure.
- Warm water (1/4 cup at about 110°F/45°C): Perfect temperature to wake up the yeast without killing it, starting the fermentation process.
- Warm milk (1 cup at about 110°F/45°C): Adds moisture and tenderness, enriching the dough for that soft crumb.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens just enough to amplify the buttery flavor and fuels the yeast for fermentation.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup plus extra for brushing): The real secret to that melt-in-your-mouth softness and golden crust.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and adds richness, helping with structure and color.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Provides the body for your rolls, adjusted to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
How to Make Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water with just a pinch of sugar. This gives the yeast the perfect environment to bloom, turning foamy in about 5 to 10 minutes. This foamy reaction is your green light that the yeast is alive and eager to work its magic in your dough.
Step 2: Mix the dough
Next, in a large bowl or your stand mixer, combine the warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and egg. Then, stir in the foamy yeast mixture. Slowly add in 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour — one cup at a time — until the dough gently forms and starts coming together. This careful addition of flour helps you achieve that perfect balance between sticky and workable.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Now comes the fun part! Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re feeling fancy, use the dough hook on your mixer. The goal is a supple dough that springs back when pressed lightly. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky — it shouldn’t be dry. Add flour sparingly to keep it just right.
Step 4: First rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and tuck it into a warm spot. Give it about an hour to double in size. This rise is essential for those soft, fluffy layers that make Parker House rolls so inviting.
Step 5: Shape the rolls
After the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the gases, then roll it out on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Use a round cutter between 2 and 3 inches in diameter to cut circles. Lightly brush each circle with melted butter, fold it in half, and press the edges lightly to seal. This folding creates the trademark shape and the layers that define the Parker House rolls.
Step 6: Second rise
Arrange your folded rolls snugly together on a greased baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they puff up nicely. The proximity during this rise encourages soft sides where the rolls touch, making them easy to pull apart in a warm bundle of buttery joy.
Step 7: Preheat the oven and bake
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes until they’re beautifully golden on top. The smell of fresh-baked bread will have you eagerly waiting to taste these wonders.
Step 8: Brush with butter
Right after pulling the rolls from the oven, brush them generously with more melted butter. This final touch gives them a glossy finish and boosts that buttery flavor we all adore.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
Garnishes
A simple pat of salted butter or a drizzle of honey makes a luxurious finish. For a festive touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme on top right after brushing with butter to add a fresh, fragrant note that complements the rich rolls beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with hearty soups, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted turkey, or glazed ham. The soft texture and buttery taste can balance spicier dishes or soak up savory gravies, making them an ideal companion to many meal classics.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Parker House rolls into sliders by stuffing them with pulled pork or chicken salad, or serve them as mini sandwiches with ham and cheese for an irresistible party platter. The rolls’ soft interior and buttery crust make them a versatile canvas for endless delicious creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls stay fresh for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them at their best, avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry out the softness we worked so hard to achieve.
Freezing
To enjoy these Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe later, freeze them after they have cooled completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They can keep their delightful texture for up to 3 months frozen.
Reheating
Warm frozen rolls by wrapping them in foil and heating in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for short bursts, but oven reheating helps maintain their lovely crust and fluffy inside better.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used; just reduce the warm water slightly and you can mix it directly into the dry ingredients without proofing. However, activating active dry yeast as described adds extra flavor and assurance of yeast viability.
Why do I need to brush butter on the rolls before folding and after baking?
Brushing butter before folding helps create those classic flaky layers and a tender crumb, while the post-bake butter adds shine, extra moisture, and that mouthwatering buttery flavor on the crust.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Traditional Parker House rolls rely on gluten for their structure and softness, so simply swapping flour won’t yield the same result. For gluten-free versions, specialized gluten-free flours and additional binding agents are necessary, but it’s a more complex process.
How can I tell when the dough has been kneaded enough?
The dough should feel smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. You can perform the “windowpane test” by stretching a small piece — it should stretch thin without tearing easily.
Is it necessary to let the rolls rise twice?
Yes, the first rise develops flavor and lightness, while the second ensures the rolls are wonderfully fluffy and nearly doubled just before baking, which helps achieve that perfect soft texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade rolls that bring comfort and joy to any meal, and this Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe nails that feeling every single time. Once you try these buttery, tender rolls, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again—not just for holidays, but whenever you want to make your loved ones smile. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into baking these dreamy rolls; I promise you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
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Parker House Rolls: Soft, Buttery Perfection Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Parker House Rolls are irresistibly soft and buttery, perfect for any meal. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, they feature a distinctive folded shape that traps a tender crumb inside. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven with butter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (around 110°F/45°C) 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 warm milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and the egg. Stir in the activated yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment. If the dough is sticky, add more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot 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 about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a round cutter about 2-3 inches in diameter, cut circles from the dough. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter, then fold each circle in half and gently press edges to seal.
- Second Rise: Arrange the folded rolls close together on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 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: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with more melted butter to give them a shiny, buttery finish.
- Serve: Serve the Parker House Rolls warm with additional butter or your favorite spread for a delightful accompaniment to any meal.
Notes
- Ensure water and milk are warm but not hot to prevent killing the yeast.
- Kneading is crucial for gluten development, resulting in fluffy rolls.
- You can freeze baked rolls and reheat them when needed.
- Brushing with butter after baking keeps the crust soft and adds flavor.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or replace part of the butter with cream cheese.
