Parker House Rolls Cook's Illustrated

Discover the ultimate combination of buttery richness and pillowy softness with Cook’s Illustrated’s rendition of classic Parker House Rolls. This recipe elevates the timeless dinner roll with a meticulous approach to achieving golden-brown perfection. Featuring simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and unsalted butter, these rolls strike the perfect balance between tender and slightly chewy texture. From the warm, yeast-infused dough to the signature folded shape that adds visual flair, every step is crafted to bring bakery-quality rolls to your table. With a luscious buttery finish brushed on twice for added flavor and shine, these rolls are an irresistible centerpiece for holidays or any family meal. Whether served warm straight from the oven or alongside hearty dishes, this homemade Parker House Rolls recipe will become a go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 36/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup Whole milk
• 8 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 pieces Large eggs
• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Butter (for brushing)

Directions

Step 1

In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it reaches about 110°F. Add 4 tablespoons of the butter, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm milk mixture, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 3

Whisk in the eggs until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4

Using the dough hook attachment, add flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a sticky dough forms, about 2 minutes. Then mix on medium speed for 8 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 1–2 minutes. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 7

On a floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then slightly flatten into a disk. Fold each disk in half and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in rows with a little space between each roll.

Step 8

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 9

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and lightly brush the tops of the rolls with it.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with an additional layer of melted butter for extra shine and flavor. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(550.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1520.6

Total Fat 137.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 78.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 711.3mg	0%
Sodium 3796.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 66.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g	0%
Total Sugars 61.8g
Protein 23.8g	0%

Vitamin D 187.4IU	0%
Calcium 388.1mg	0%
Iron 2.3mg	0%
Potassium 676.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.4%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 16.6%