Introduction

These warm, buttery and soft Parker House rolls are a classic American favorite that always impresses. With their signature folded shape and tender crumb, they’re perfect for holidays or everyday meals. This simple recipe delivers delicious results every time. If you enjoy baking, you might also like this Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe or these Pecan Caramel Baklava Cups Recipe for more sweet treats.

Ingredients

These warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House Rolls require simple pantry staples that transform into the most tender, pull-apart dinner rolls.

• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 package or 7 g)
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (45 g) or unsalted butter (57 g)
• 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (560 g)
• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for finishing
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 50 minutes (includes rising)

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar Parker House roll recipes due to optimized rising times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast

Warm milk to 110–115°F and combine with sugar and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy—this ensures your rolls will rise properly and become soft enough to melt in your mouth.

Step 2 — Mix the Dough

Add melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour, as this keeps the rolls tender.

Step 3 — Knead and First Rise

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4 — Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles, brush each with melted butter, and fold in half—this creates the classic Parker House fold.

Step 5 — Second Rise

Arrange the folded rolls in a buttered baking dish, cover, and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. This second rise ensures a light, airy texture.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown on top. They should sound hollow when tapped—a sign they’re fully baked and ready for your holiday table.

Step 7 — Brush with Butter

As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush generously with melted butter. This adds shine, flavor, and helps keep the crust soft—essential for that warm, buttery finish.

Step 8 — Serve Warm

Let rolls cool slightly, then serve warm. These Parker House Rolls are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion when you want soft, buttery bread that melts in your mouth.

Nutritional Information

Calories	170
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	26g
Fat	6g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Flour — Substitute half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
• Greek Yogurt — Replace some butter with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangy note.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these rolls celiac-friendly.
• Unsweetened Applesauce — Swap a portion of butter for applesauce to reduce fat while keeping moisture.
• Plant-Based Butter — Use dairy-free butter for a vegan version with the same rich, buttery taste.
• Low-Sodium Butter — Opt for unsalted or low-sodium butter to cut down on salt without sacrificing flavor.
• Coconut Sugar — Replace white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and caramel hint.
• Almond Milk — Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free, lower-calorie option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House Rolls with holiday classics like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Serve them at Thanksgiving dinner as the perfect vessel for sopping up gravy or alongside Christmas Eve prime rib.
• Create an elegant bread basket for special occasions by arranging them in a cloth-lined basket to keep them warm and soft.
• Transform leftovers into mini sliders with leftover turkey and cranberry sauce for a delicious next-day treat.
• For a beautiful holiday table presentation, brush the tops with extra melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.
• Offer with flavored butters like honey butter, garlic herb butter, or cranberry orange compound butter to enhance their warm, buttery flavor.

These Parker House Rolls are truly a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with homemade bread that melts in your mouth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring milk, eggs, and butter to room temperature to ensure proper yeast activation and a more even, tender crumb.
• Mistake: Killing the yeast with liquid that’s too hot. Fix: Test the temperature; the liquid should be warm to the touch (around 110°F/43°C), not scalding.
• Mistake: Not kneading the dough long enough for proper gluten development. Fix: Knead for the full 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and passes the windowpane test.
• Mistake: Rushing the rise in a too-warm spot. Fix: Let the dough rise at a steady room temperature (around 75°F/24°C) until doubled, which prevents an overly yeasty flavor and uneven texture.
• Mistake: Over-flouring the work surface and rolling pin. Fix: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking; excess flour incorporated during shaping can make the rolls dense.
• Mistake: Baking the rolls in a cold oven. Fix: Always preheat your oven fully so the rolls get an immediate “oven spring” for maximum lift and fluffiness.
• Mistake: Skipping the butter brush right after baking. Fix: Brush the warm rolls with melted butter straight from the oven; this creates that signature soft crust and enhances flavor.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan, which steams the rolls instead of letting them bake. Fix: Leave a little space between each roll on the baking sheet for proper air circulation and browning.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag; they will keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Proper storage helps maintain that warm, buttery, and soft texture that makes these Parker House Rolls a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Conclusion

These warm, buttery Parker House Rolls are the perfect soft addition to your holiday table. I hope you enjoy making them as much as we do! Be sure to try our Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting for dessert. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make the Parker House Rolls dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This helps develop flavor and makes holiday meal prep easier.

How do I ensure my rolls stay warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth?

Brush the rolls generously with melted butter immediately after they come out of the oven. This step is crucial for achieving that signature soft, buttery crust. Also, avoid overbaking them, as this can dry them out and make them less tender.

Can I freeze these rolls for later use?

Absolutely. Once the rolls have cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in the oven to restore their warm, soft texture.