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Parker House Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

These classic Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Made with warm milk, melted butter, and a touch of sugar, they have a tender crumb and a rich flavor. The unique fold gives them their signature shape and a fluffy texture. Perfect when served warm with additional melted butter.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup warm water (110°F)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted, plus more for brushing)

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, sugar, salt, melted butter, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring continually to form a soft, slightly sticky dough that is manageable to handle.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough.
  5. First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Shape Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 1/2-inch thick rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Fold each piece in half and gently press the fold to secure the signature Parker House roll shape.
  7. Second Rise: Place the shaped rolls on a greased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Cover again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
  8. Preheat Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake Rolls: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter before placing them in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when tapped.
  10. Finish and Serve: Immediately after removing from the oven, brush the rolls again with additional melted butter for extra flavor and softness. Serve warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk and water are warmed to about 110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it.
  • Do not add too much flour; the dough should be slightly sticky to keep rolls soft.
  • You can freeze the rolls after shaping but before the second rise; thaw and allow to rise before baking.
  • Brush with melted butter generously after baking for that classic rich, buttery flavor.
  • Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the rolls.

Keywords: Parker House Rolls, soft dinner rolls, buttery rolls, homemade bread, classic rolls, yeast bread

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/parker-house-rolls-recipe/