Fluffy Buttery Parker House Rolls Recipe in Just 12 Simple Steps

Name: Fluffy Buttery Parker House Rolls Recipe in Just 12 Simple Steps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-489614H59M
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 package active dry yeast; 1/2 cup warm milk; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg

Author: lia

Published: November 8, 2025

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Oh my gosh, you have to try these buttery Parker House rolls! I swear, nothing beats pulling apart those warm, fluffy layers fresh from the oven – it’s like biting into a little cloud of happiness. My grandma used to make them every Thanksgiving, and the second that yeasty, buttery smell hit the kitchen, we’d all come running. These rolls aren’t just delicious – they’re downright magical. Soft enough to practically melt in your mouth, with just the right amount of richness from all that glorious butter. Trust me, once you’ve had homemade Parker House rolls, the store-bought ones just won’t cut it anymore.

Buttery Parker House Rolls - detail 1

Why You’ll Love These Buttery Parker House Rolls

These rolls are an absolute game-changer, and here’s why:

They’re fluffy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth – like little pillows of joy.
The rich, buttery flavor makes them irresistible (seriously, you’ll want to eat them all).
They’re easier to make than you think, even if you’re not a bread pro.
Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or just because – they make every meal special.

Ingredients for Buttery Parker House Rolls

Okay, let’s talk ingredients – because these rolls are all about quality and precision. I’ve learned over the years that using the right stuff (and measuring it properly) makes all the difference between “good” and “oh-my-goodness-I-need-another-one” rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop! Packed flour leads to dense rolls, and we want cloud-like fluffiness.
1/4 cup sugar – Just enough sweetness to balance the richness. I use regular granulated, but brown sugar works for a deeper flavor.
1 tsp salt – Crucial for flavor. Skip it, and your rolls will taste bland no matter how much butter you add.
1 package active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp) – Make sure it’s fresh! If your yeast doesn’t bubble when you test it in warm water, toss it and grab a new packet.
1/2 cup warm milk – Whole milk is best, but 2% works in a pinch. Heat it to about 110°F – think bathwater warm, not hot.
1/2 cup warm water – Same temp as the milk. This helps activate the yeast without killing it.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – And another 2 tbsp for brushing later. Trust me, you’ll want that extra butter for gloss and flavor.
1 egg – Room temperature, please! Cold eggs can make the dough sluggish.

That’s it! Simple, right? But every single one of these plays a starring role in creating those perfect, buttery layers.

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these rolls – just the basics from your kitchen. Here’s what I always grab:

Large mixing bowl – Big enough for the dough to double in size when rising.
Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing that buttery dough without overworking it.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters with baking, folks!
Baking sheet – A standard half-sheet pan works perfectly.
Clean kitchen towel – To cover the dough during its cozy rising time.

That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.

How to Make Buttery Parker House Rolls

Alright, let’s dive in! Making these rolls is easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a tray of golden, buttery goodness ready to devour.

Preparing the Dough

First, grab your large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy – that’s normal!

Next, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic texture that springs back when you poke it. If it feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour, but don’t overdo it – we want soft, tender rolls, not tough ones.

First Rise

Place your kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl (I just use a bit of butter here) and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. My favorite trick? I turn the oven light on and place the bowl in there – it creates the perfect cozy environment for the dough to puff up beautifully.

Buttery Parker House Rolls - detail 2

Shaping the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Now, divide it into 12 equal pieces. I like to weigh them to keep things uniform, but eyeballing works too! Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then flatten it slightly with your palm. Fold it over to create that classic Parker House roll shape – like a little butter-filled pocket. Place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet, about an inch apart.

Second Rise and Baking

Cover the shaped rolls with the towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F. When the rolls are puffy and almost doubled, pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. To test for doneness, tap the top of a roll – if it sounds hollow, they’re ready! Brush them with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for that irresistible glossy finish.

And there you have it – warm, buttery Parker House rolls that’ll make you feel like a baking pro! Check out more recipes!

Tips for Perfect Buttery Parker House Rolls

Listen, I’ve made enough batches of these rolls to know exactly what makes them sing – and I’m sharing all my secrets with you!

Room temp is non-negotiable – Cold eggs and milk slow down yeast activity. Take ’em out at least 30 minutes before baking.
Watch your yeast – If your warm liquid mixture doesn’t get foamy after 5 minutes, start over. Dead yeast means flat rolls.
Don’t rush the rises – Patience pays off with better texture. If your kitchen’s chilly, extend rise times slightly.
Brush generously – That post-bake butter glaze? Do it twice if you’re feeling fancy – it creates the shiniest, most flavorful crust.
Store leftovers properly – These taste best fresh, but reheating wrapped in foil at 350°F for 5 minutes brings back the magic.

Follow these tricks, and you’ll be the Parker House roll hero at every gathering!

Variations for Buttery Parker House Rolls

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, have fun playing with flavors! My favorite tweak? Adding a tablespoon of fresh rosemary to the dough – it makes these rolls taste like a fancy bakery treat. Garlic lovers can knead in minced garlic and parsley, or sprinkle shredded cheddar on top before baking for cheesy pull-apart goodness. Feeling sweet? Swap the sugar for honey and dust with cinnamon-sugar when they’re fresh from the oven. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, where do I even start? These buttery Parker House rolls deserve center stage at every meal! They’re absolute perfection paired with a steaming bowl of creamy tomato soup or piled high on Thanksgiving plates alongside turkey and all the fixings. For weeknight magic, tear them open and stuff with leftover roast beef or serve warm with honey butter as a simple dessert. Honestly? They disappear fastest when I just put them in a basket and let everyone grab them straight off the table – no accompaniments needed!

Storing and Reheating Buttery Parker House Rolls

Now, let’s talk about keeping these beauties fresh – because let’s be real, you’ll probably have leftovers (maybe!). For day-of freshness, just cover them loosely with foil at room temperature. But if you need to store them longer, here’s my go-to method:

Room temperature: They’ll stay soft for about 2 days in an airtight container – if they last that long!
Freezing: These rolls freeze like a dream! Seal cooled rolls in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Wrap frozen rolls in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes. Want that fresh-baked feel? Spritz lightly with water before reheating.

Pro tip: Always brush with melted butter again after reheating – it brings back that just-baked magic!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s keep it real – these rolls are pure comfort food, not health food! But hey, everything in moderation, right? Here’s the scoop per roll (based on my kitchen scale measurements):

Calories: About 180
Fat: 7g (that glorious butter shining through!)
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 4g

Remember, these numbers can vary based on exact ingredient sizes and how generously you brush with butter (no judgment here!). For precise counts, I recommend plugging your specific brands into a nutrition calculator. Now go enjoy that buttery goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of questions about these Parker House rolls – here are the ones that pop up most often!

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Absolutely! Just skip the proofing step and mix it right in with the dry ingredients. I’ve done this dozens of times when I was in a hurry – works like a charm.

Help! My dough isn’t rising – what went wrong?
First, check if your yeast was fresh (always check expiration dates!). If that’s fine, your liquid might’ve been too hot (over 110°F kills yeast) or your kitchen too cold. Try placing the bowl on top of the preheating oven next time!

Can I make the dough ahead?
You sure can! After the first rise, punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Next day, shape the rolls and give them an extra 15 minutes for their second rise before baking.

Why are my rolls dense instead of fluffy?
Usually means the dough was over-floured or over-kneaded. Next time, measure flour carefully (spoon & level!) and stop kneading as soon as the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Buttery Parker House Rolls - detail 3

Share Your Experience

Did you make these buttery Parker House rolls? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a photo of your golden beauties – nothing makes me happier than seeing your baking triumphs! Find more inspiration on Pinterest.