Parker House Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any meal. These little rolls are slightly sweet and have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves!
They are so easy to make, too! Just mix, shape, and bake—then you can enjoy fresh rolls straight from the oven. Trust me, they won’t last long on the table! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure. You can use bread flour for an even chewier texture. If gluten is a concern, try a gluten-free blend, but results may vary.
Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you’re cutting back on sugar, a natural substitute like honey or maple syrup works well—just decrease the liquid slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. If using fresh yeast, multiply by about 0.3 for the conversion.
Butter: I recommend unsalted for better control over the saltiness of the rolls. If you need dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter or oil.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness. For a lighter option, use skim milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, though this may change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Soft Rolls?
Getting soft, fluffy rolls requires a few key techniques. Here’s how to ensure your Parker House rolls turn out just right:
- **Kneading:** This is vital for developing gluten. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, stop to check the consistency. You want it tacky but not sticky.
- **Rising:** Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. A turned-off oven with the light on works well. The first rise should double in size, which develops flavor and texture.
- **Shaping:** Don’t skip the second rise after shaping! It helps ensure the rolls are light and airy. They should almost touch in the pan before baking.
- **Baking:** Keep an eye on them in the oven. If they brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil. Freshly baked rolls are always best but can be reheated in a microwave or briefly in the oven.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly soft, fluffy rolls that everyone will love!
How to Make Parker House Dinner Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted + extra for brushing
- 2 large eggs
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. This includes about 15-20 minutes for preparation, 1-1.5 hours for the first rise, and 45 minutes for the second rise. After that, you’ll bake them for about 18-22 minutes. Patience pays off with these delicious rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by heating the milk and water together until warm—ideally around 110°F (43°C). In a large mixing bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm liquid along with a pinch of sugar. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough:
Add the sugar, salt, melted butter, eggs, and about 2 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together while gradually adding the remaining flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. This dough should not be too sticky!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on medium speed for about 6-7 minutes—just until you achieve a smooth consistency.
4. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, turning it over once to grease the top. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm and draft-free spot until it has doubled in size. This should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each piece into an oval, then fold them in half lengthwise. This classic folding technique gives Parker House rolls their distinctive shape.
6. Second Rise:
Arrange the shaped rolls seam side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or a towel, and let the rolls rise again for about 45 minutes until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size.
7. Preheat the Oven:
While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a hot oven that helps the rolls to bake beautifully.
8. Bake the Rolls:
Before placing the rolls in the oven, brush the tops gently with melted butter. Bake them for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown and fluffy. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning!
9. Finishing Touch:
As soon as you take the rolls out of the oven, brush them again with melted butter and, if desired, sprinkle some coarse sea salt over the tops while they are still warm. This adds a lovely flavor contrast.
10. Serve:
Let the rolls cool slightly in the pan before serving them warm. They are best enjoyed fresh, soft, and buttery! Perfect for sharing at any meal.
These classic Parker House Dinner Rolls are a beloved addition to any table, making them perfect for holidays, dinners, or special occasions. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Absolutely! If you have instant yeast, you can use it directly without proofing. Simply replace the active dry yeast with the same amount of instant yeast, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
What Should I Do if My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough hasn’t risen, the yeast may have been inactive or the environment was too cold. Make sure your liquids are warm (but not hot) and try placing the dough in a warmer area, like an oven turned off with the light on. If it’s still not rising, you may need to start over with fresh yeast.
How Do I Store Leftover Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven before serving!
Can I Make These Rolls Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it after kneading. Just give it a quick rise at room temperature before shaping and baking. Alternatively, you can shape the rolls and let them rise in the fridge overnight for a quick bake the next day!