Parker House Rolls
These classic Parker House Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet with their signature folded shape. Perfect for holiday dinners or any special meal, they are surprisingly simple to make from scratch. For another delightful sweet roll, try the Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe. This recipe yields fluffy, irresistible rolls that everyone will love.
PrintParker House Rolls
A slightly sweet, buttery yeast roll with a unique folded-over shape, popularized by the legendary Parker House Hotel in Boston.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls 1x
- Method: Side/Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 package, 7g) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup (45g) vegetable shortening or 57g unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 cups (560g) all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, for finishing
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Warm milk until lukewarm, then dissolve yeast in the milk.
- Stir in vegetable shortening (or butter), sugar, salt, and egg.
- Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic (about 8–10 minutes).
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough, roll out to 1/2-inch thick, and cut into 3-inch-wide circles.
- Brush circles with melted butter, fold in half, and place in a buttered pan.
- Let rise again until puffy (about 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate overnight; bring to room temperature before baking if chilled).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Brush hot rolls with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with optional flaky salt.
Notes
These rolls can be made ahead by refrigerating the shaped rolls overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking for best results. Extra brushing with melted butter after baking gives them their signature richness and shine.
Nutrition
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my Parker House Rolls dense and not fluffy?
Dense Parker House Rolls often result from over-kneading the dough or using old yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and active, and knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Proper rising time is also crucial for achieving that classic fluffy texture.
Can I make Parker House Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the rolls a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then let them come to room temperature and complete their final rise before baking. This makes Parker House Rolls a convenient option for holiday meals.
How do I get the signature fold and buttery taste in Parker House Rolls?
To create the classic fold, roll the dough into circles, brush with melted butter, and make a slightly off-center crease before folding. Brushing the tops with more butter right after baking enhances their rich flavor and soft crust, making these Parker House Rolls irresistible.
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