Parker House Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and buttery little pieces of happiness! Perfect for dinner or any gathering, they make every meal feel special.
I love how these rolls are so easy to pull apart and enjoy with a smear of butter. They practically melt in your mouth! Who can resist a warm roll straight from the oven? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Using whole milk gives these rolls a rich flavor and soft texture. If you’re out of whole milk, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, but this may change the richness a bit.
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for the rolls to rise. If you only have instant yeast, you can use that in the same amount. Just mix it directly into the flour without needing to foam it first!
Unsalted Butter: I always prefer unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If you only have salted butter, just cut back on the salt in the recipe a little to balance it out.
Granulated Sugar: This adds just the right touch of sweetness. If you want a lower sugar option, you could try reducing the amount slightly or using honey, but it may affect the texture.
How Do I Knead the Dough Effectively?
Kneading is important to develop gluten, which helps make the rolls chewy and airy. If you’re new to kneading, here’s a simple guide:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, folding it back over itself.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat. Do this for about 8-10 minutes.
- If the dough gets sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it!
Pro tip: If using a stand mixer, keep it on low speed and let the dough mix for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
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
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- Additional melted butter for brushing after baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in total. You’ll spend about 20-25 minutes prepping and kneading the dough, followed by 1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise, 30-40 minutes for the second rise, and then about 18-22 minutes baking. But trust me, the warm, fluffy rolls at the end are totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step is important because it ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help the rolls rise!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps distribute the salt evenly, which is crucial for flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with the melted butter, then stir in the foamy yeast mixture. Mix well until combined.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Don’t stress if it’s a bit sticky; that’s perfect!
5. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you prefer, you can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.
6. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This allows the yeast to do its magic!
7. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 9 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly into an oval. Fold the dough over toward the center, slightly overlapping. Then, place each roll seam side down into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan so they are touching.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the rolls and let them rise again for about 30-40 minutes until puffy. This second rise is essential for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
9. Preheat and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 18-22 minutes until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Brush with Butter:
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops generously with melted butter. This gives them a beautiful shine and extra flavor!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving warm. These Parker House Dinner Rolls are perfect for any meal, so dig in and enjoy every fluffy piece!
These rolls are great for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but you can reheat them if needed!
Can I Use Bread Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! Using bread flour will give your rolls a bit more chewiness and structure due to the higher protein content. Just keep in mind they may rise slightly differently, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Dough the Night Before?
Yes! You can make the dough the night before and then refrigerate it after the first rise. In the morning, take it out and let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the second rise.
How to Store Leftover Rolls?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat gently in the oven.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Rolls?
The best way to reheat Parker House Rolls is in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can brush them with a little melted butter for extra flavor!
