Parker House Rolls are heavenly to bite into by themselves. But you can even take them to the next level and lather them up with this delicious Raspberry Butter, Easy Homemade Crockpot Apple Butter, or this Whipped Cinnamon Honey Butter. Actually, when I was growing up I always called these “Aunt Judy’s rolls” rather than Parker House Rolls because my mom’s youngest sister always made them for holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas. My mom had three sisters and I remember many occasions of them bustling around the kitchen preparing large family meals with my mom and grandma. I often got to help by cutting these rolls out into circles and brushing one side of each circle with melted butter before folding it over into the classic Parker House roll half circle shape and arranging in a pan. The smell of these rolls baking always takes me straight back to those memories. Only now I can snitch a piping hot roll right as soon as it comes out of the oven rather than be forced to wait for dinner!
Why are they called Parker House Rolls?
These classic dinner rolls got their name from the Parker House Hotel in Boston where they were created in the 1870’s. Incidentally, that’s the same hotel where the Boston Cream Pie was invented! The folded over shape is actually a part of what makes these rolls so special. It gives them a slightly crisp exterior but a puffy, pillowy inside that steams when you open them when the rolls are still hot. These dinner rolls are so easy and simple to make. This Parker House Roll Recipe does require yeast, but if you’re new to yeast, this is a great recipe to practice with! It is very difficult to mess these up. They come out wonderfully no matter what! Light and fluffy with a nice chew to them, these rolls are fantastic served plain but are incredible with some homemade freezer jam spread on them. Honestly, I would take a hot, fresh roll with my mom’s raspberry freezer jam over dessert almost any day.
What You’ll Need
I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients can create something so amazing! Heads up that I almost always double this batch of rolls so that I have LOTS of extras if I’m making them for a holiday meal so everyone has some to take home for leftovers the next day.
Milk: You will want this scalding hot. I like to heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high heat just until bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan. Sugar: You’ll need a little bit of sugar to proof the yeast and then the rest to make the dough. These rolls have a slight sweetness to them. Butter: I prefer to use salted butter when baking. Salt: You NEED salt when baking to make everything come together and so the rolls aren’t bland. Water: This is to proof the yeast. You’ll want the water between 100-110°F. Too cold of water won’t activate the yeast and too hot will kill it. Active Dry Yeast: Make sure to use fresh active dry yeast in this recipe as expired yeast won’t give you the rise you need for light and fluffy rolls. If you choose to use instant yeast, you can skip the proofing. Eggs: To help the rolls rise and fluff up. Flour: All-purpose flour is all you need for this recipe, although you could also use bread flour.
How to Make Parker House Rolls
Other Rolls Shapes
You don’t have to use the fold-over pocketbook style shape for these rolls. Instead, you could divide the dough into small bowls and place three of them in the same cup of a muffin pan for a fun alternative. Or just divide the dough and roll it into large balls for a simple, puffy bun shape.
How to Store Leftover Parker House Rolls?
Parker House rolls are best eaten the day they are made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter and they will still be good for about 3 days. I always love to make a turkey sandwich after Thanksgiving with these leftover rolls, leftover turkey, and plenty of mayo and pepper (anybody else love peppery turkey sandwiches?) They also freeze well and can be kept in a freezer-safe bag and removed to reheat for meals for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm in the oven or microwave to enjoy a piping hot, fresh-tasting roll!
Looking for more bread ideas as a side for your dinner? Try some of my favorites!
Homemade Brown Bread Dinner Rolls Roasted Garlic & Rosemary No Knead Artisan Bread Farmhouse Baking Powder Biscuits Cheesy Garlic Mozzarella Swirl Rolls Easy Homemade Rye Bread Easy Fluffy One Hour Dinner Rolls
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