Imagine pulling soft, golden-brown rolls straight from the oven, their buttery aroma filling your kitchen with warmth and comfort. These Make Ahead Parkerhouse Rolls aren't just another bread recipe – they're a culinary experience that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary memories. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these rolls promise to become your new go-to recipe for creating restaurant-quality bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm the milk in a medium saucepan to approximately 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and stir in sugar and butter until butter is melted.
- Sprinkle active dry yeast over the warm milk mixture and let sit for 5-7 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and activated.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg and add the yeast mixture, combining thoroughly.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-
- 5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to approximately 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut dough into 2-inch rounds using a biscuit cutter or drinking glass. Fold each round in half and place in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cover rolls and refrigerate overnight or let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush rolls with melted butter if desired.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your milk is precisely between 105-110°F. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
- Patience is Key: Allow sufficient rising time. A warm, draft-free area helps the dough develop those beautiful, fluffy layers.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The overnight refrigeration isn't just convenient – it actually enhances the rolls' flavor by allowing slow fermentation.
- Folding Technique: When creating the classic Parker House fold, use a gentle but firm touch to create that signature slightly curved shape.
- Butter Brush Optional But Recommended: A light brush of melted butter before and after baking adds incredible richness and a gorgeous golden sheen.
- Storage Tip: These rolls freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
