This classic recipe for Parker House rolls will end up at the front of the recipe box!

Tender, light, and fluffy rolls with a buttery salted top, they’re the perfect rolls for any meal!

basket of Parker House Rolls

What are Parker House Rolls

Parker House Rolls originated in the Omni Parker House Hotel in the 1800s. They were loved for their buttery, sweet flavor and fluffy texture as most rolls at the time were quite dense. Eleanor Roosevelt eventually secured the recipe, featured later in the White House Cookbook.

  • There are several variations of this recipe, and this one is derived from the original itself.
  • They can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in soups and sauces.
  • This recipe is relatively easy to make and comes out beautifully fluffy every time.
flour , milk ,sugar , water , egg , butter , dry yeast , and salt with labels to make Parker House Rolls

Ingredients for Parker House Rolls

Yeast – Use fresh active yeast. To check if yeast is fresh, combine it with a spoonful of sugar in warm water. If the yeast bubbles up after 10 minutes, it’s still good to use.

Dairy – Whole milk and full-fat butter give Parker House rolls their rich buttery flavor. Dairy-free alternatives like oat milk and almond milk will work.

Sugar – Sugar ‘feeds’ the yeast and gives these rolls a sweet flavor.

Flour – This recipe uses all purpose flour, other varities of flour have not been tested.

Variations – For savory rolls, blend in some Italian or Greek seasoning in Step 4. Or make them sweeter and brush the tops with honey butter in Step 10. Or top Parker House rolls with a little garlic salt and parmesan cheese for a garlic bread-style roll.

How to Make Parker House Rolls

  1. Proof yeast (as directed in the recipe below).
  2. Combine the ingredients to make a dough and let it rise until doubled in size.
  3. Cut the dough into rectangles and fold each in half.
  4. Place seam side down in a baking dish and bake until golden brown.
  5. Once baked, brush the Parker House rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Baking is a science; for perfect results read through the instructions before starting.
  • Check expiration dates on the yeast before using.
  • Water temperature is important for activating the yeast. A good rule of thumb is that it should feel like a warm bath, around 110°F. If needed, use a thermometer.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough to keep it from becoming too dense.
  • Be sure the dough is covered and allow it to rise in a warm place away from drafts.

How to Store

Keep Parker House rolls in a zippered bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze baked and cooled rolls on a cookie sheet and then place them in a zippered bag with the date labeled on the outside. They’ll keep in the freezer indefinitely but are best if used within 3 months. Let frozen rolls thaw at room temperature before serving.

Bread, Buns, and Biscuits!

Did you make these Parker House Rolls? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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Parker House Rolls

This Parker House Rolls recipe makes rolls that are soft, fluffy, and buttery.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 18 rolls
Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter divided
  • ¼ cup warm water between 110°F – 115°F
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2 ¼ teaspoons
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar divided
  • 1 cup milk room temperature
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3 ¾ to 4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting

Instructions 

  • Melt the butter and let it cool.
  • In a stand mixer*, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it rest for 10 minutes or until foamy.
  • Add the remaining sugar, 6 tablespoons of butter, milk, and egg.
  • With a dough hook on low speed, gradually add the flour a bit at a time to form a dough that pulls away from the sides of the mixer. You may not need all of the flour. Continue to knead on medium speed for 4 minutes.
  • Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise until doubled, about 90 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a 9×13 metal baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a 9-inch square. Cut 3 strips across and 6 strips down so you have have 18 rectangles of dough.
  • Fold each piece of dough in half lengthwise so the top slightly overhangs the bottom and place seam-side down in the prepared pan.
  • Bake the rolls for about 16 to 18 minutes or until browned.
  • Remove from the oven and lift the parchment out of the pan and onto a wire rack. Immediately brush the remaining butter over the rolls and sprinkle with salt. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Ensure you use active dry yeast. If the yeast doesn’t become bubbly and foamy, it is likely old and should not be used in this recipe.
If you do not have a stand mixer, Parker House rolls can be mixed by hand and then kneaded until smooth, about 10 minutes.
If desired, Parker House rolls can be brushed with melted garlic butter in place of butter and salt. Up to 1 ½ teaspoons of dried herbs can be mixed into the dough.
Store Parker House rolls in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze the baked and cooled rolls on a cookie sheet, then transfer them to a labeled zippered bag. It’s recommended to use them within 3 months for optimal freshness. Allow the frozen rolls to thaw at room temperature before serving.
5 from 17 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 161 | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 204mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine American

Recipe lightly adapted from Parker House

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Parker House Rolls in a dish with writing
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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I am confused just one rising ??
    About the butter will salted butter be ok if I use less salt in the recipe ?
    Thank you?
    The dough is like velvet. Beautiful !
    Donna5 stars

    1. Hi Donna, these rolls rise just once in step 5 then they are folded and baked. I have never tried this recipe with salted butter so I can’t say for sure, but as long as you adjust the additional salt in the recipe it should be okay. We would love to hear how it turns out for you.

    1. I haven’t tried this recipe with buttermilk so I can’t say for sure how it would work. Let us know how it goes!

  2. who Doesn’t Absolutely Love Dinner Rolls At Tha Thanksgiving Or Christmas Holiday Seasons!!! I Grew Up Loving ❤️ Parker House Dinner Rolls!!! You Gotta Absolutely Love ❤️ Parker House Or Any Dinner Rols Any Day Of The Week Especially For Thanksgiving & Christmas Holiday Seasons Every Year!!!