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Parker House Rolls

Name: Parker House Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2-1/2 dozen
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

10 reviews

Total Time

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

By Justine Harrington

Recipe by Sandra Melnychenko, Grandview, Manitoba

Tested by Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Taste Recipes's Editorial Process

Updated on Feb. 18, 2025

Subtly sweet and fluffy Parker House rolls are a cinch to make and add a wonderful homemade touch to your table.

Nothing is quite like a batch of buttery Parker House rolls fresh out of the oven. Delicate, fluffy and sweet, these are the ideal dinner rolls. They’re wonderful as-is, drizzled with honey, served with extra butter or made into mini sandwiches. Do note that this recipe requires ample time for rising and doubling, but you can always use that time to prepare other dishes for dinner.

Ingredients for Parker House Rolls

Active dry yeast: Active dry yeast is the leavening agent that makes the rolls rise.
Sugar: Sugar helps give these rolls a tender texture and the proper height.
Warm water: Warm (not cold) water activates the yeast.
Warm milk: Using warm (again, not cold) milk allows the dough to rise properly.
Salt: Salt helps bring out all the flavors in a balanced way.
Egg: Ensure the egg is at room temperature; it will blend better.
Canola oil: Canola oil is the best type of oil for baking because it has a neutral flavor.
All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour is ideal here because it provides structure while keeping the dough pliable and soft.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so that you can control the overall salt content.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

milk, salt, egg, oil, flour, water and sugar mixed in a large bowl TASTE OF HOME

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water; let stand for five minutes. Add the milk, salt, egg, oil, 2 cups flour, and the remaining water and sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead the dough and let it rise

kneading dough TASTE OF HOME

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic, six to eight minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Roll out the dough

kneaded dough placed in a greased bowl TASTE OF HOME

Punch down the dough. Turn it onto a lightly floured surface; divide it into two portions.

dough being rolled into half inch thickness portion TASTE OF HOME

Roll each portion to 1/2-inch thickness.

half inch thick dough portion cut with a floured biscuit cutter TASTE OF HOME

Cut with a floured 2-1/2-inch biscuit cutter. If desired, brush with butter.

Step 4: Prepare to bake

dull edge of a knife being used to crease dough portions TASTE OF HOME

Using the dull edge of a knife, crease each roll slightly off-center and then fold at the crease. Press the edges together lightly. Place the rolls 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 5: Bake the rolls

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pans to wire racks to cool.

Parker House Rolls JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Parker House Roll Variations

Add honey: We love drizzling these rolls with a bit of honey when serving.
Make into mini sandwiches: Parker House rolls make for mighty tasty sandwiches. Add the cheese and meat (or plant-based alternative) of your choice.

How to Store Parker House Rolls

Store leftover Parker House rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Do not store them in the fridge, since that pulls moisture from the bread, making the rolls stale faster. Reheat them in the oven until they are warmed through; they will taste as fresh as the day they were baked.

Can you freeze Parker House rolls?

This is the perfect recipe to make ahead of time and freeze. Make these rolls all the way through, let them cool completely and then freeze them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to three months.

Parker House Roll Tips

Parker House Rolls JOSH RINK FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you double this Parker House rolls recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just treat it as two separate batches of rolls rather than trying to combine double the ingredients in one batch.

How can you make Parker House rolls your own?

Parker House rolls are named after the Boston Parker House Hotel, where they originated in the 1870s. Although people have made 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 them with some herbs and Parmesan cheese for added savory flavor.

What can you serve with Parker House rolls?

These fluffy, delicate, sweet yeast rolls are ideal for holiday meals and parties. Serve them 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.

Watch How to Make Parker House Rolls

Test Kitchen Approved