Fluffy Parker House Rolls – Golden Pillows of Buttery Goodness to Make Every Meal Extraordinary

If you’ve been dreaming of soft, buttery rolls that melt in your mouth, these Fluffy Parker House Rolls are the answer! Perfectly golden on the outside with a light, fluffy texture on the inside, these rolls are a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, these rolls will add a warm, comforting touch to any meal. Brushed with melted butter before and after baking, they’re irresistibly soft with a rich, buttery flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Fluffy Parker House Rolls

Parker House Rolls are named after the famous Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they were first created in the late 1800s. Since then, these soft, slightly sweet rolls have become a staple at dinner tables across the country. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—basic pantry ingredients come together to create rolls that are light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful. These rolls are known for their signature fold, which creates a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy inside that soaks up butter like a dream.

Why Fluffy Parker House Rolls Will Become Your Go-To Dinner Rolls

These rolls are incredibly versatile and are a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a bowl of hot soup, alongside a holiday roast, or simply slathering them with butter and jam for breakfast, their soft, pillowy texture and buttery flavor make them an instant hit. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, thanks to rapid-rise yeast and a few simple techniques. Once you’ve made these homemade Parker House Rolls, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, Based on 12 Rolls):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Parker House Rolls are the perfect companion to just about any meal. Serve them with your Thanksgiving turkey, a hearty beef stew, or a comforting bowl of creamy chicken soup for the ultimate meal pairing. These rolls also make a great base for mini sandwiches—try stuffing them with ham and cheese, pulled pork, or roasted veggies for a fun twist on a classic roll.

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For breakfast or brunch, serve these rolls warm with butter, honey, or fruit preserves for a simple yet satisfying treat. If you want to get extra fancy, whip up some garlic herb butter or cinnamon honey butter for a flavorful spread that’ll take these rolls to the next level.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they store beautifully! Place any extra rolls in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual rolls in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.

To freeze, allow the rolls to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the rolls at room temperature, then warm them in the oven as directed above.

Fun Fact: The History of Parker House Rolls

Parker House Rolls were created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they quickly became a popular item on the hotel’s menu. The rolls were said to have been invented by accident when a baker, frustrated after a long day, threw the dough into the oven in a haphazard way. The result was a deliciously soft roll with a buttery flavor and a distinctive fold that’s still used today. These iconic rolls have been a beloved part of American cuisine ever since, and their simple elegance continues to make them a favorite at dinner tables everywhere.

Cooking Tips

• Don’t Skip the Butter: The generous amount of butter in this recipe is what makes these rolls so soft and flavorful. Be sure to brush the rolls with butter both before and after baking for the ultimate Parker House experience.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you start. This will help the dough rise more evenly and create a lighter, fluffier roll.
• Kneading the Dough: If you don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can knead the dough by hand. Just be sure to knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Optional Variations

• Garlic Herb Rolls: For a savory twist, mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) into the melted butter before brushing the rolls. The garlic herb flavor will infuse the rolls and add a delicious savory element.
• Cheesy Parker House Rolls: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the dough before folding it into rolls. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy surprise inside each roll.
• Sweet Honey Rolls: Add a tablespoon of honey to the dough along with the sugar for a slightly sweeter roll that pairs beautifully with butter and jam.

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Fluffy Parker House Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (0.25 oz) packet rapid rise yeast
• ¼ cup lukewarm water
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup salted butter, cubed
• 1¼ cups whole milk, room temperature
• 5 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten
• ⅓ cup salted or unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix together the rapid rise yeast and warm water. Let it stand for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the butter mixture: In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup butter with the sugar and ¼ cup milk over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the edges begin to bubble, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the remaining 1 cup of milk. Let the mixture cool to 110-115°F.
3. Combine yeast and butter mixture: Once the butter mixture has cooled slightly, pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the yeast mixture and stir gently to combine.
4. Make the dough: Add the flour, salt, and eggs to the bowl. Beat on low speed for about 1 minute until combined. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic but still slightly sticky. If needed, add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is just slightly sticky.
5. Let the dough rise: Coat a large bowl with cooking spray or oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.
6. Shape the rolls: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Punch it down and press it into a 10x16-inch rectangle. Trim the edges with a pizza wheel or knife to create an even rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise into 4 strips, each about 2½ inches wide.
7. Stack and cut: Stack 2 of the strips on top of each other to create 2 double-stacked strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 12 even pieces. Place the pieces into a buttered 13x9-inch baking pan with the cut sides facing the edges of the pan.
8. Final rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until puffed and almost doubled.
9. Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter, reserving some for after baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Serve and enjoy: Let the rolls cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then brush the tops with the remaining butter. Serve warm and enjoy the pillowy softness!

These Fluffy Parker House Rolls are the ultimate dinner roll, combining a soft, buttery texture with a golden, slightly crisp exterior. They’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to simple family dinners, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.