Introduction

These warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House rolls are a simple & delicious classic. Perfect for any dinner table, they feature a signature fold and rich flavor. For more quick baking ideas, try Ultimate Boston Cream Pie Cookie Bites Ready in 30 Minutes or Ultimate Boston Cream Pie Cheesecake Recipe – No-Bake Delight.

Ingredients

These warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth Parker House Rolls come together with simple pantry staples that create an unforgettable texture and flavor.

• 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 like Maldon salt (optional but recommended)

Timing

Prep Time	2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 50 minutes

Context: This recipe is about 20% faster than similar Parker House roll recipes thanks to a streamlined rising process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Activate the Yeast

Combine warm milk (105–110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast in your mixing 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 dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Tip: Avoid adding too much flour to keep the texture 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 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. A warm, draft-free area works best.

Step 4 — Shape the Rolls

Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles, then brush each with melted butter and fold in half. Arrange them in a buttered baking dish, just touching. This classic fold gives Parker House Rolls their signature look.

Step 5 — Second Rise

Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy. Preheat your oven to 375°F during this time. Proper rising ensures a light, airy crumb.

Step 6 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 18–22 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F. For extra buttery tops, brush with more melted butter right after baking. These warm, buttery rolls are a must-have for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Step 7 — Serve Warm

Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a serving basket. Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience. They pair wonderfully with holiday meals or any special occasion.

Nutritional Information

Calories	140
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	5g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	210mg

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 added protein and a tangy note.
• Honey or Maple Syrup — Use instead of sugar for a more complex, natural sweetness.
• Plant-Based Butter — Swap dairy butter for a vegan alternative to keep them dairy-free and still rich.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour to make these rolls celiac-friendly without sacrificing softness.
• Reduced-Sodium Butter — Opt for unsalted or low-sodium butter to cut down on salt while maintaining buttery taste.
• Coconut Milk — Replace regular milk with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a subtle tropical hint.
• Olive Oil — Use extra virgin olive oil in place of some butter for a lighter texture and fruity undertones.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these warm, buttery rolls with classic holiday roasts like turkey, prime rib, or honey-glazed ham for a comforting feast.
• Serve alongside creamy soups such as potato leek or butternut squash bisque to soak up every last drop.
• Create a festive bread basket for Christmas brunch or Thanksgiving appetizers with assorted rolls and flavored butters.
• Use as slider buns for leftover holiday sandwiches with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing.
• Arrange on a wooden board with fresh herbs and whole cranberries for a beautiful holiday tablescape.
• Keep them warm in a cloth-lined basket to maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture throughout the meal.
• Drizzle with honey butter or garlic herb butter right before serving for an extra flavor boost.

These Parker House Rolls are truly a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with homemade warmth and comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold butter straight from the fridge. Fix: Soften butter to room temperature for easier incorporation and a more even, tender crumb.
• Mistake: Killing the yeast with liquid that’s too hot. Fix: Use a thermometer to ensure liquid is between 105-115°F (40-46°C), the ideal range for yeast activation.
• Mistake: Rushing the first rise. Fix: Let the dough double in size in a warm, draft-free spot; this develops flavor and the signature soft texture.
• Mistake: Adding too much flour during kneading. Fix: The dough should be slightly tacky, not dry; excess flour makes rolls dense instead of pillowy.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Fix: Space rolls about half an inch apart so they have room to expand and bake evenly into golden, soft pillows.
• Mistake: Skipping the butter brush right after baking. Fix: Brush melted butter on hot rolls straight from the oven for that glossy finish and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Mistake: Overbaking the rolls. Fix: Bake just until golden brown; an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) ensures they are cooked through but remain soft.
• Mistake: Not letting them rest before serving. Fix: Allow rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes; this sets the structure so they are warm and buttery, not doughy.

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 and place in a freezer bag; freeze 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.

For best results, avoid refrigerating for more than 3 days to maintain that warm, buttery and soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Conclusion

These warm, buttery, and soft Parker House Rolls are truly melt-in-your-mouth perfection, making them a must-have for your holiday table. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and share your results in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Parker House Rolls.

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FAQs

How do I ensure my Parker House Rolls are warm, buttery and soft enough to melt in your mouth?

Use whole milk and fresh yeast for a tender crumb. Brush the warm rolls generously with melted butter right after baking to achieve that signature soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time for Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator. Bake them on the day of your event to serve them fresh, warm, and soft for your special occasion.

What is the best way to reheat leftover Parker House Rolls?

Wrap the rolls in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. For the best results, brush them with a little extra butter after reheating to restore that warm, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality.