Small-Batch Parker House Rolls

Recipe by Sarah Jampel
Not Yet Reviewed

Whereas our classic Parker House Rolls recipe makes a full 9" x 13" pan of buttery rolls, this small-batch version makes just six small rolls, which means you don’t need a special reason to bake them. The dough comes together by hand in one bowl and requires no specialty ingredients. But just because this recipe is easier than the original doesn’t mean it’s any less special: These small-batch rolls still have that tender, fluffy, fine-crumbed texture and classic Parker House shape because each one is folded up over generous smear of melted butter before it’s nestled into the pan.

Prep
15 mins
Bake
20 to 24 mins
Total
1 hr 55 mins
Yield
6 small rolls
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Small-Batch Parker House Rolls - select to zoom
Small-Batch Parker House Rolls - select to zoom
Small-Batch Parker House Rolls - select to zoom
Small-Batch Parker House Rolls - select to zoom
Small-Batch Parker House Rolls - select to zoom

Instructions

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  1. Weigh your flour; or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess. 

  2. To make the slurry: In a medium bowl, place the flour. Measure the water in a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave until just shy of boiling (at least 180°F), 1 to 2 minutes. 

  3. Pour 1/4 cup (57g) of the hot water over the flour, whisking vigorously to eliminate as many lumps as possible. (Discard the remaining water.) The mixture should immediately thicken into a roux-like paste. (If it does not, the water was not hot enough. Either start over or transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat, whisking constantly, until thickened to a paste-like consistency.)  

  4. To make the dough: To the bowl with the slurry, add the milk, sugar, yeast, and salt; whisk to combine. Mix the dough with a flexible spatula, then switch to your hands to work in the butter and the flour until no dry bits remain; the dough will be rough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead, sprinkling with additional flour as necessary, until smooth and springy, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, 45 to 60 minutes. 

  5. To shape the rolls: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, seasoning, and salt. Generously brush an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan with some of the melted butter mixture. Place the butter mixture somewhere warm so it stays liquid; you'll need it for brushing the dough and the baked rolls.  

  6. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a 12" x 5" rectangle with the long side facing you. Brush the bottom half with butter mixture. Cut the dough crosswise to make six 2" x 5" rectangles. Working with one rectangle at a time, fold the unbuttered half over; instead of aligning the edges perfectly, allow for a 1/4" overhang. Place the roll in one corner of the pan with its rounded side up against one of the short ends of the pan. Shape another roll and place it next to the first, with its rounded side up against the short end of the pan. Repeat with the 4 remaining rectangles, shingling the rolls to form 3 rows of 2 rolls each. 

  7. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise until puffy, 30 to 45 minutes. Towards the end of the rise, preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the center. 

  8. Generously brush the risen rolls with more of the butter mixture. 

  9. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, until golden brown and set. Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning them out onto a rack. Brush the rolls with the remaining butter mixture, then let them cool until warm or room temperature before serving. 

  10. Storage information: Small-Batch Parker House Rolls are best consumed the day they’re baked. Store airtight at room temperature for 1 day; reheat rolls in a foil packet in a 350°F oven until warmed through. 

Tips from our Bakers

  • In order for the starches in the flour to gelatinize, the water needs to be at least 180°F. Run 1/2 cup of the hottest water from the tap into a microwave-safe container, then microwave it for 1 to 2 minutes, until the water is very hot or boiling. (Although you only need 1/4 cup in the slurry, you need to heat 1/2 cup to account for some evaporation in the microwave.)

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