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Soft and Buttery Parker House Dinner Rolls

Parker House dinner rolls are soft, buttery yeast rolls folded into their signature shape and baked until golden brown. Brush the hot rolls with melted butter for a tender, flavorful finish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising and resting 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 176
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup whole milk warmed to 105–110°F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg large, at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup butter unsalted, divided (4 tablespoons for the dough, 2 tablespoons for shaping, 2 tablespoons after baking)
  • 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp table salt
  • 1 nonstick cooking spray for the bowl and baking dish

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Stir the milk warmed to 105–110°F, yeast, and sugar together in a large bowl.
  2. Let the mixture stand for 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
  3. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter and let it cool slightly.
  4. Whisk the melted butter and egg into the yeast mixture.
  5. Add the flour and salt and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  6. Knead the dough on a clean work surface for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
  7. Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking spray.
  8. Add the dough to the bowl and turn it to coat.
  9. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1–1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
  10. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 16 equal pieces.
  11. Roll each piece into an oval about 3 inches by 4 inches.
  12. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  13. Melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter.
  14. Brush the melted butter over half of each oval.
  15. Fold the unbuttered half over the buttered half and press lightly near the edge.
  16. Arrange the rolls fold-side up in the prepared dish in 4 rows of 4.
  17. Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
  18. Heat the oven to 375°F during the final 15 minutes of the rise.
  19. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
  20. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the hot rolls.
  21. Let the rolls rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For soft rolls, keep the dough slightly tacky rather than adding extra flour. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free variation, use unsweetened plant milk and dairy-free butter.