If you’ve ever yearned for the perfect soft, buttery roll that melts in your mouth and elevates any meal, look no further than this classic **Parker House Rolls Recipe**. These iconic, slightly sweet dinner rolls boast a tender crumb and a golden crust finished with honey butter and flaky sea salt, making them irresistible for holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or simply because you deserve a treat. Once you master this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the warm, comforting goodness of fresh Parker House rolls straight from your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the **Parker House Rolls Recipe** lies in its simplicity — just a handful of pantry staples come together to create these elegant, fluffy rolls. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the flour forms the structure, yeast brings life and fluffiness, butter and milk add richness and tenderness, while sugar and honey provide the perfect hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a soft, airy crumb; spooned and leveled for accuracy.
- 2½ teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise to fluffy perfection quickly and reliably.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and aids in browning the crust.
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt: Balances flavor and enhances yeast activity for better texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Infuses richness and tenderness throughout the dough.
- 1 cup whole milk (lukewarm, 110°F): Provides moisture and helps soften the dough while feeding the yeast.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Adds structure and durability, plus a lovely golden color to the rolls.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For brushing and finishing, sealing in moisture and giving a shiny, buttery crust.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Mixed into the butter for a sweet glaze that perfectly complements the rolls.
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to create a gourmet contrast of flavors and texture.
How to Make Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Combine and Knead the Dough
Start by gathering your ingredients and attaching the dough hook to your stand mixer. Mix the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, room temperature butter, lukewarm milk, and the large egg on low speed until the ingredients begin to form a dough. Then, raise the speed to medium and knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, pulling away from the bowl sides. This kneading is key to developing the gluten that gives these rolls their tender yet chewy texture.
Step 2: First Rise
Transfer your dough ball to a large bowl that’s lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for about 90 minutes until it doubles in size, becoming puffy and airy. Patience here means rolls that feel like little clouds when baked.
Step 3: Prepare to Shape
While your dough is rising, brush a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with melted butter. This will help your rolls glide apart easily once baked and add another layer of buttery goodness. Set this aside—soon it will hold the star of the show!
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
After the first rise, gently punch the dough down to release excess air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 8×12 inch rectangle. The shape matters here—it sets you up for perfectly sized rolls, each a snippet of dough folded over itself for that classic Parker House pull-apart style. Before slicing, brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter to lock in richness.
Step 5: Cut and Fold
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into eight equal rectangles by making four horizontal cuts and one vertical cut down the center. Then, fold each rectangle over itself with a slight ¼-inch overhang so the buttery layer hides inside. Arrange them snugly in the prepared baking dish to encourage soft sides and that inviting pull apart.
Step 6: Second Rise and Preheat Oven
Cover your rolls loosely again with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes until noticeably puffed and soft. This final rise is what gives the rolls their iconic cloud-like texture. While they puff up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to bake these beauties to golden perfection.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, watching carefully as they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, immediately brush them with the remaining melted butter for a glossy sheen. To finish, mix the melted butter with sweet honey and brush this honey butter over the warm rolls, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This final touch adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the honey butter and flaky salt are star garnishes already, consider sprinkling finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or rosemary if you want a fresh, earthy twist. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can also make these rolls irresistibly cozy for breakfast or brunch settings.
Side Dishes
The soft, buttery Parker House rolls shine best alongside hearty soups, savory stews, or a classic roast dinner. They also make a fantastic companion to a vibrant green salad, offering just the right balance of fluffy texture against crisp veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the rolls in an attractive basket lined with a linen napkin to keep them warm and inviting. You can also transform them into mini sandwich buns filled with ham, turkey, or seasonal roasted vegetables for a charming appetizer or party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Parker House rolls, store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their softness intact and prevents drying out.
Freezing
Parker House rolls freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to three months, so you always have fresh rolls ready for a special occasion or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored rolls back to life, wrap them in foil and warm in a 300-degree oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gentle heat refreshes their softness and reactivates the buttery aroma. Alternatively, microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I make these Parker House rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead by hand on a floured surface. Just be ready to put a little elbow grease into kneading for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt for the topping?
If flaky sea salt isn’t available, a light sprinkle of regular kosher salt works just fine. Flaky salt adds a bit of texture and a delicate crunch, but the rolls will still taste amazing with kosher salt or even a tiny pinch of fine salt for garnish.
Can I substitute whole milk?
Yes, whole milk adds richness and tenderness, but you can substitute it with 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk at room temperature. Keep in mind that non-dairy milks may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How can I make the rolls sweeter?
The recipe already has a subtle sweetness perfect for dinner rolls, but if you prefer sweeter rolls, increase the granulated sugar by one tablespoon or drizzle extra honey on top after baking for a more pronounced sweet finish.
Is it possible to make mini Parker House rolls?
Definitely! Just cut the dough into smaller rectangles before folding and baking. Mini rolls bake a bit faster, so start checking around 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. They’re perfect for bite-sized snacks or party servings.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about homemade rolls, and this **Parker House Rolls Recipe** brings that comforting warmth and buttery softness right into your kitchen. Once you taste these tender rolls with their honey butter finish, you’ll understand why they’ve been beloved for generations. I can’t wait for you to bake them yourself and share the joy and nostalgia they inspire. Trust me, your family and guests are going to ask for this recipe again and again!
Print
Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, buttery Parker House Rolls are a classic American bread perfect for accompanying any meal. Made with a tender dough enriched with butter, milk, and honey, these rolls are folded to create a delightful layered texture and finished with a sweet honey butter glaze and flaky sea salt topping.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour (420 grams, spooned and leveled)
- 2½ teaspoons instant yeast (7 grams, 1 envelope)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38 grams)
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt (5 grams)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams, room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk (227 grams, lukewarm, 110°F)
- 1 large egg (50 grams, room temperature)
For Baking and Finishing
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, melted, ½ stick)
- 2 tablespoons honey (42 grams)
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, kosher salt, softened butter, lukewarm milk, and the egg. Start mixing on low speed until the dough begins to come together, then increase to medium speed and knead for 7-8 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticking to the bowl.
- First rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare baking dish: Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with melted butter and set it aside.
- Shape the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into an 8×12-inch rectangle. Brush the entire surface with some of the melted butter.
- Cut the rolls: Cut the dough into 8 equal rectangles by slicing into 4 horizontal rows and then once vertically down the center, creating 8 pieces.
- Fold the rolls: Fold each rectangle over itself so the butter is enclosed inside, allowing a ¼ inch overhang on the fold. Place each folded roll into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in two halves of 8.
- Second rise: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise again in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until they become puffy. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops turn a golden brown color.
- Finish and serve: Remove the baked rolls from the oven and immediately brush them with the remaining melted butter. Prepare the honey butter by mixing the 4 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 tablespoons honey, then drizzle or spread over the rolls. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve warm.
Notes
- For softer rolls, ensure the milk is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- The folding technique helps create the characteristic flaky texture of Parker House rolls.
- The honey butter glaze adds a deliciously sweet and salty contrast; adjust honey amount to taste.
- For best results, do not skip the two-rise process to ensure fluffy, tender rolls.
- These rolls freeze well – wrap tightly and reheat in a warm oven before serving.
