Parker House Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly buttery, making them perfect for any meal. They’re charming little rolls with a nice golden crust that just begs to be pulled apart!
I love serving these rolls warm, right out of the oven. Dip them in honey or slather with butter, and watch them disappear like magic! Who can resist a fluffy roll, right? 🥖✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk gives these rolls a rich flavor, but you can use 2% or even oat milk for a lighter version. Just remember that the higher the fat content, the softer the rolls will be!
Yeast: Active dry yeast is traditional, but you can also use instant yeast. Just skip the activation step, and mix it directly with the dry ingredients for a quicker process.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for the perfect flavor balance. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with margarine or olive oil. They’ll still turn out deliciously!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you could use bread flour for a chewier texture. Just note that bread flour will absorb more liquid, so adjust if needed.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Rise for Dinner Rolls?
The secret to fluffy Parker House Rolls lies in the rising process. First, ensure your yeast is fresh. Then, during the first rise, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area—and give it time to puff up! Here’s what to do:
- Cover the bowl with a warm towel or plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in!
- A great trick is to preheat the oven to the lowest temperature, turn it off, and place the dough inside. It creates an ideal warm spot.
- Don’t rush the second rise either; wait until the rolls are puffy before baking.
Trust me, taking these small steps will make a big difference in your rolls’ texture!
How to Make Parker House Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or herbs, roughly chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe should take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus about 3 hours total with rising time included—1-2 hours for the first rise and approximately 45 minutes for the second rise. Then, you’ll spend around 20 minutes baking. Overall, it’s a fun and rewarding process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by pouring the warm milk into a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar over the milk. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is important—it wakes up the yeast and gets it working!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, melted butter, and egg until well combined. Next, add the frothy yeast mixture to this bowl and stir to combine all the liquids together.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a soft dough starts to form. It should be sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour as needed.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. It should become smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook to knead it instead—just mix until smooth.
5. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size—this is where the magic happens!
6. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a neat ball with your hands. This will ensure they rise evenly and look nice and round!
7. Second Rise:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and arrange the dough balls inside, spaced evenly (they can touch a little). Cover again and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until they’re puffy and almost doubled.
8. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 18-22 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and they smell heavenly!
9. Butter Glaze:
Once baked, brush the warm rolls generously with melted butter for that extra richness. If you like, you can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or herbs on top for a splash of color and flavor.
10. Serve:
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before digging in. They are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Perfect as a side to any dinner or just as a tasty snack!
These Parker House Rolls are sure to be a hit at your table with their soft, buttery goodness. Enjoy the smiles they bring to your loved ones!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! You can use instant yeast directly in the dry ingredients without having to activate it first. Just mix it in with the flour and salt, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and they’ll last for about 2-3 months.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the milk temperature was just right—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold might not activate it. If it happens, try again with new yeast!
Can These Rolls Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up until the first rise, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, take it out, let it come to room temperature, shape the rolls, and let them rise again before baking!
