There’s something undeniably comforting about freshly baked rolls, especially when they’re warm, golden, and brushed with rich melted butter. Buttery Parker House Rolls are the kind of bread that make you pause mid-meal just to appreciate their pillowy texture and buttery layers. Whether they’re served alongside a hearty roast or simply eaten straight from the tray, these rolls have a magical way of stealing the show.
Behind the Recipe
Every family has its signature bread recipe, and for many, Parker House Rolls are it. They bring back memories of family dinners where hands eagerly reached across the table for that last warm roll. Their signature folded shape and buttery, slightly crisp tops feel like a nostalgic hug, reminding us that the simplest things often bring the greatest joy.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
These iconic rolls trace their roots to the Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they were first served in the late 1800s. Legend has it a frustrated cook tossed some unfinished dough into the oven, and what came out was nothing short of revolutionary. Their unique fold creates a slight separation, making them perfect for slathering with butter or pulling apart. They’ve since become a staple in American kitchens, especially during the holidays.
Why You’ll Love Buttery Parker House Rolls
Let me tell you, these rolls are not just for special occasions. They’re the kind of thing you’ll want to make on a rainy day just because.
Versatile: Serve them with soups, roasts, or just jam and tea. They fit into any meal effortlessly.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, they’re an affordable way to impress guests.
Quick and Easy: While they need rising time, the steps are simple and foolproof.
Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or a sprinkle of sea salt for your own twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, buttery, and golden brown, they vanish in seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough ahead and bake fresh when needed.
Great for Leftovers: Slice and use for mini sandwiches or toast them with garlic butter.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
A great Parker House Roll is all about texture and timing. Here’s how to make yours bakery-worthy:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for consistent rising and a smooth dough.
- Let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free space to get that light, airy texture.
- Don’t skip the final butter brushing after baking, it adds shine and flavor.
- When shaping, don’t flatten the dough too thin, keep it fluffy.
- Bake until deep golden brown on top to get that signature look.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy, just a few kitchen staples to bring these rolls to life.
Mixing Bowls: For combining and kneading your dough.
Stand Mixer (optional): Speeds up kneading but hands work just as well.
Rolling Pin: Helps shape the dough evenly before folding.
Pastry Brush: For buttering the tops before and after baking.
Baking Dish or Sheet: Where the rolls will bake snugly together.
Ingredients in Buttery Parker House Rolls
These ingredients come together to create something way greater than the sum of their parts. Each one plays a role in texture, taste, or rise.
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 cups – Forms the base and structure of the rolls.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup, warmed – Adds richness and tenderness.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (plus extra for brushing) – Delivers that signature buttery flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons – Adds a hint of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons – Gives the rolls their rise and fluff.
- Egg: 1 large – Adds richness and helps with dough structure.
- Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
It’s easy to work with what you have and still get soft, delicious results.
Whole Milk: Substitute with 2% milk or oat milk for dairy-free.
Unsalted Butter: Use salted butter and reduce added salt slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used for a subtle flavor change.
All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour will give slightly chewier rolls.
Ingredient Spotlight
Unsalted Butter: The soul of these rolls. Brushed on top and folded inside, it gives them their iconic flavor and glossy finish.
Active Dry Yeast: The quiet hero. It gives the rolls their airy structure and makes them rise to fluffy perfection.
Instructions for Making Buttery Parker House Rolls
This recipe turns a few simple steps into a tray full of fluffy, buttery rolls. Let’s get into it.
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Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, warm the milk and dissolve sugar. Add yeast and let sit until foamy (about 5-10 minutes). Mix in egg, melted butter, salt, and flour. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth. -
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Butter your baking dish generously. This keeps the rolls from sticking and adds flavor. -
Assemble the Dish:
Roll dough out to about 1/2-inch thick. Cut into 3×2-inch rectangles, fold each in half, and arrange closely in the dish. -
Cook to Perfection:
Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, until puffy. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until tops are golden. -
Finishing Touches:
Brush immediately with melted butter for that irresistible glossy finish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Let them cool slightly before pulling them apart. Best enjoyed warm.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The outside should be slightly crisp from baking and brushing with butter, while the inside remains soft, stretchy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The light sweetness balances the salt and butter, creating that perfect dinner roll flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Sometimes, the best tricks are the little ones. Here are a few you’ll love:
- Let the dough rest after kneading to relax the gluten.
- Don’t rush the rise. Good rolls take their time.
- Use parchment paper under rolls for easier cleanup.
What to Avoid
It’s easy to overthink bread baking. Just avoid these common missteps:
- Using cold milk, which slows yeast activation.
- Skipping the second rise, which affects fluffiness.
- Baking too long and drying out the centers.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Want to get ahead? You can make the dough the night before, refrigerate it, and bake fresh the next day. Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and reheat in the oven until warm.
How to Serve Buttery Parker House Rolls
They’re perfect with Sunday roast, soups, or even as a snack with butter and jam. You can also turn them into mini sandwiches or sliders for brunch spreads.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Leftovers? Lucky you! Try these ideas:
- Split and toast for mini breakfast sandwiches.
- Cube and bake into savory bread pudding.
- Use for next-day sliders with roasted veggies or meats.
Additional Tips
For extra flavor, add garlic or rosemary to the butter. Want an egg wash finish? Lightly brush the tops before baking.
Bold Tip: A pinch of flaky salt after baking takes them to the next level.
Make It a Showstopper
Serve them in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look, or arrange in a circular pattern for a pull-apart centerpiece. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs for color and aroma.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Rolls: Add shredded cheddar inside the fold.
- Garlic Herb: Mix minced garlic and herbs into the butter.
- Honey Butter Glazed: Brush with a mix of butter and honey post-bake.
- Whole Wheat Version: Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier bite.
- Spiced: Add cinnamon sugar and turn them into a sweet breakfast treat.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make these without a stand mixer?
A1: Absolutely. Hand kneading works just fine, it just takes a little more elbow grease.
Q2: Can I use instant yeast?
A2: Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Q3: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A3: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Q4: Can I freeze the dough?
A4: Yes, freeze after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as normal.
Q5: Why didn’t my rolls rise?
A5: Your yeast may have been old or the milk was too hot or too cold.
Q6: Can I add herbs to the dough?
A6: Definitely. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or even chives work beautifully.
Q7: Should I grease the pan?
A7: Yes, it prevents sticking and adds flavor when combined with butter.
Q8: Can I use vegan substitutes?
A8: You can use plant-based milk and vegan butter with good results.
Q9: How do I get that perfect golden top?
A9: Bake until deep golden and brush with melted butter right after.
Q10: What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
A10: Use a clean bottle or press the dough by hand into a rectangle.
Conclusion
Buttery Parker House Rolls are the kind of recipe you keep coming back to. They’re warm, soft, and utterly comforting, turning even a simple dinner into something special. Trust me, you’re going to love this. Whether you’re sharing them at the holiday table or baking them for yourself on a quiet Sunday, they’re worth every bite.
Print
Buttery Parker House Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, golden, and incredibly buttery, these Parker House Rolls are perfect for any dinner table. Their signature fold and fluffy interior make them irresistible and a true crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, covered bowl for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 3×2-inch rectangles, fold each in half, and place folded side down in the greased dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Brush hot rolls with melted butter and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and release.
- Add fresh herbs or garlic to the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Freeze shaped dough for later and bake fresh when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg