Parker House Dinner Rolls are fluffy and soft, perfect for any meal. These little buns are buttery, slightly sweet, and will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of fresh rolls wafting from the oven. I love serving them warm with a pat of butter on top. They make any dinner feel special! 🥖💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Using whole milk adds richness to the rolls. If you want a lighter version, feel free to substitute with 2% milk or even almond milk for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s warmed to the right temperature.
Active Dry Yeast: Fresh yeast can work too if you have it. If you’re in a pinch, instant yeast can also be used at a 1:1 ratio, eliminating the need for pre-activation.
Unsalted Butter: I always recommend unsalted butter so that you can control the salt level in recipes, but if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the added salt by a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour: If you’re looking for healthier options, you can mix in some whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making them denser.
What’s the Most Important Step for Fluffy Rolls?
The key to achieving those soft, fluffy Parker House rolls is the proper rising of the dough. When activating the yeast, make sure the milk is warm but not hot; hot milk can kill the yeast. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take 1 to 1.5 hours, so be patient!
- For the second rise, make sure to place the rolls close together in the pan. They’ll expand more while baking, creating that iconic soft texture.
- Lastly, when baking, keep an eye on the color. You want that golden brown on top, so if they start to darken too quickly, cover them lightly with foil.
Enjoy making your Parker House Dinner Rolls — they’ll be a delightful addition to any meal! 🍞✨
How to Make Parker House Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 2 hours for rising. After baking, you’ll have delicious, fluffy rolls ready to serve warm! Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by taking a small bowl and mixing the warmed milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir it gently, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets all foamy. This means your yeast is happy and ready to go!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg, and melted butter until well-blended. Then, pour in the foamy yeast mixture and stir it all together until combined.
3. Make the Dough:
In another bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Gradually mix this dry mix into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or the dough hook of your mixer. When the dough starts to form, knead it by hand on a floured surface or with the mixer for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky, but not sticky, so add flour as needed.
4. First Rise:
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave it to rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
5. Shape the Rolls:
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to remove excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into 12 equal pieces (about 2 ounces each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then flatten it slightly with your thumb and fold it in half to create the classic Parker House shape.
6. Second Rise:
Arrange the shaped rolls with the folded side down, close together in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look puffy.
7. Preheat Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking!
8. Bake:
Brush the tops of the risen rolls with melted butter, then pop them in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they turn golden brown on top. The smell will be amazing!
9. Final Butter Brushing:
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven, give them a good brush with more melted butter. This keeps them soft and adds a lovely shine!
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, and can be stored wrapped at room temperature for about 2 days. Enjoy your delightful homemade Parker House Dinner Rolls! 🥖✨
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that the texture may be denser, so consider using 50% whole wheat and 50% all-purpose flour for a balanced result.
How Do I Know If the Yeast Is Active?
If the yeast mixture becomes frothy and bubbly after resting for 5-10 minutes, your yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise for the first time, then punch it down and refrigerate it in a covered bowl overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
