Parker House Rolls

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 10 min.

Makes

2-1/2 dozen

Updated: Aug. 22, 2023
Mom is especially well known for the delectable things she bakes, like these tender Parker house rolls. When that basket comes around the table, we all automatically take two—one is just never enough. —Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon plus 6 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°), divided
  • 1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 5-1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted, optional

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add milk, salt, egg, oil, 2 cups flour and remaining water and sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
  2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 2 portions. Roll each portion to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. If desired, brush with butter.
  4. Using the dull edge of a knife, crease each slightly off-center. Fold at the crease. Press edges together lightly. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°.
  5. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Parker House Rolls Tips

How can you make Parker House rolls your own?

Parker House rolls are named after the Boston Parker House Hotel, where they first originated in the 1870s. Although there have been many variations of this classic roll, you can still add your own twist. Drawing inspiration from our herbed dinner rolls, try brushing them with butter and sprinkling with some herbs and Parmesan cheese for added savor.

What can you serve with Parker House rolls?

The fluffy, delicately sweet yeast rolls are perfect for holiday meals and parties. They can be served as they are, or you can get creative and turn them into small slider sandwiches. A combo of ham and cheese is always a classic!

Can you freeze Parker House rolls?

This is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time! Make these all the way through, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Simply reheat them in the oven until they are warmed through; they will taste as fresh as the day they were baked! Here are some clever ways to use leftover bread for your next meal.

—Ellie Crowley, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 roll: 113 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.