Tender, light, and fluffy rolls with a buttery salted top, they’re the perfect rolls for any meal!
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.
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
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. Did you make these Parker House Rolls? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! Recipe lightly adapted from Parker House © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
