Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, Parker House Rolls are a classic addition to any holiday table. With a golden crust and fluffy interior, these melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy Texture – These rolls have a soft, pillowy interior with a golden, buttery exterior.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make these great for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or as an everyday side.
- Buttery and Slightly Sweet – A delicious balance of flavor that pairs well with any meal.
- Great for Make-Ahead Baking – Prepare the dough ahead and bake fresh before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (110°F)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, egg, and salt.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Let Rise:
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls:
- Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into rectangles (about 3×2 inches).
- Lightly brush one side with melted butter, fold in half, and place in a buttered baking dish.
Second Rise and Bake:
- Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Brush with Butter and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter while warm.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
- Calories: 180 kcal per roll
Variations
- Garlic Herb Rolls – Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon chopped herbs (rosemary or thyme) to the dough.
- Honey Butter Rolls – Substitute honey for sugar and brush with honey butter after baking.
- Cheddar Parker House Rolls – Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Whole Wheat Option – Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier roll.
- Make-Ahead Freezer Rolls – Freeze shaped rolls before baking and thaw overnight before baking fresh.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze baked rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the flour.
Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
The dough may not have risen long enough. Ensure the first rise doubles the dough in size before shaping.
Can I use milk alternatives?
Yes! Almond milk or oat milk can be used instead of whole milk, but the texture may be slightly different.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is best to control the salt content, but you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt slightly.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Yes! Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I get a golden crust?
Brushing the rolls with butter before and after baking helps achieve a shiny, golden-brown finish.
Can I make these as pull-apart rolls?
Yes! Arrange the rolls closer together in the baking dish so they bake into soft, pull-apart rolls.
What can I serve these with?
They pair perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey, roast beef, soup, or honey butter.
How do I make smaller or larger rolls?
Simply adjust the size of the rectangles—bake smaller rolls for 12-15 minutes and larger rolls for 20-25 minutes.
Can I add more sugar for a sweeter roll?
Yes! Increase the sugar to ½ cup for a sweeter, almost dessert-like roll.
Conclusion
These Parker House Rolls are the perfect balance of soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them a must-have for holiday dinners or everyday meals. With their light and fluffy texture, they’re great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or pairing with soup. Make them fresh or freeze ahead, and enjoy warm, buttery perfection every time!
