Soft & Buttery Parker House Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the smell of Soft & Buttery Parker House Rolls baking in the oven. Warm, golden, and incredibly fluffy, these classic dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a hearty stew, a holiday feast, or just slathering them with butter straight from the oven, these rolls always deliver comfort in every bite.

But did you know Parker House Rolls date back to the 1800s? Originally created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, these iconic rolls were accidentally folded before baking, giving them their signature shape. That happy mistake turned into a beloved tradition, and now, they’re a must-have at dinner tables across the country.

The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can bake a batch of soft, buttery perfection right at home. So, if you’re ready to impress your family (and yourself), let’s dive into this timeless recipe—you’ll never want store-bought rolls again!

Recipe Yield: 12–14 rolls

INGREDIENTS

3 ½ – 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (as needed)
1 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (room temperature)
1 ½ tsp salt

Optional Honey Butter Glaze:
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp honey

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 cups of flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually mix in 1 ½ more cups of flour until a soft dough forms. If needed, add the remaining ¼ cup flour to prevent sticking.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles or squares, depending on your preference. Brush with melted butter and fold each piece in half, pressing lightly to seal. Arrange on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.

6. Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the tops with melted butter and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Glaze and serve: For extra flavor, mix 2 tbsp melted butter with 1 tbsp honey and brush over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use high-quality butter: The rich, buttery taste shines in these rolls, so use the best butter you can!
Don’t skimp on kneading: Proper kneading ensures the rolls have a soft and elastic texture.
Honey butter glaze: This adds just a hint of sweetness and makes the rolls absolutely irresistible!

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