Parker House Rolls
These iconic New England dinner rolls are unbelievably soft, rich, and buttery. Famous for their unique folded 'pocketbook' shape, they are made with a rich, eggy dough that bakes up golden brown. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special meal.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 18 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Milk Mixture & Activate Yeast
- b.In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges (scalding). Do not boil.
- c.Remove from heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter and the granulated sugar until fully melted and dissolved.
- d.Set the mixture aside to cool until it is lukewarm, between 105-115°F (40-46°C). This is crucial to avoid killing the yeast.
- e.In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Dough
- b.In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- c.Add the cooled milk mixture, the foamy yeast mixture, and the lightly beaten egg to the flour.
- d.Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms, about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Knead and First Rise
- b.Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth, soft, and elastic. It will pull away from the sides of the bowl but may still stick slightly to the bottom.
- c.Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat the surface.
- d.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Shape the Rolls
- b.Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- c.Roll the dough out into a rectangle about 1/2-inch thick.
- d.Using a 3-inch round biscuit or cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles of dough. You may need to re-roll the scraps.
- e.Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Lightly brush the surface of each dough circle with the melted butter.
- f.Create the signature fold by pressing the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick slightly off-center across each circle, then fold the larger half over the smaller half.
- g.Arrange the folded rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. They should be close together but not tightly packed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Second Rise and Bake
- b.Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for a second time in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, until they look puffy.
- c.While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- d.Uncover the rolls and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are a deep golden brown.
- e.As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them generously with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Let the rolls cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use an instant-read thermometer to check liquid temperatures. Water or milk above 120°F (49°C) will kill the yeast, and liquid that's too cool won't activate it properly.
- 2For the softest rolls, be careful not to add too much extra flour during kneading. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky.
- 3The process of scalding the milk denatures whey proteins, which can interfere with gluten development, resulting in a softer, more tender crumb.
- 4If your kitchen is cold, create a warm spot for the dough to rise by placing it in an oven that is turned off with the light on, or next to a bowl of hot water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Rolls
Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dry ingredients in Step 2.
Cheesy RollsCheesy Rolls
Knead 1/2 cup of finely shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the dough during the last minute of kneading.
Slightly Sweet RollsSlightly Sweet Rolls
Increase the sugar to 1/4 cup and brush the finished rolls with a honey-butter mixture instead of plain butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Energy
The all-purpose flour and sugar are sources of carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing quick energy.
Source of Protein
The milk and egg in the recipe contribute protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues and supporting muscle health.
Frequently asked questions
Each Parker House Roll contains approximately 210-220 calories, primarily from carbohydrates and fats from the butter and milk.
