Ah, the allure of freshly baked Parker House rolls! There’s something utterly heartwarming about that buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen. These Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are a testament to the joy of homemade comfort. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering—everyone couldn’t stop raving about them! As they melted in our mouths, it felt like all my culinary dreams were coming true. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these rolls are a staple in my kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about the magic of these rolls for a moment, shall we? Picture this: warm, soft, and fluffy rolls, kissed with the sweetness of honey and a hint of salt that dances on your taste buds. The combination is simply enchanting! These rolls make the perfect companion to any meal, whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday feast. Plus, the process itself is therapeutic. Kneading the dough is like a mini workout for your soul—a simple yet rewarding journey from humble ingredients to soft, pillowy perfection.
These rolls are not just about taste, though—their texture is out of this world! You’ll get that satisfying bite, and the exterior boasts that beautiful golden color that beckons you in. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the butter, while the sprinkling of sea salt adds a delightful crunch. Isn’t it intriguing how a few simple ingredients can create a flavor palette that feels so luxurious?
Gather these ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, gather these key players to create your delicious rolls:
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk: Whole milk is your best friend here, lending a rich creaminess that elevates the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Unsalted butter is the base of our roll’s gorgeous flavor, adding that creamy depth.
- 1/4 cup honey: This is what gives these rolls that sweet, fragrant undertone. Feel free to experiment with different types of honey for a slight twist in flavor!
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Yeast brings our dough to life, making it rise and give those lovely airy pockets.
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour: Flour is our backbone, providing structure. The range allows you to adjust based on your humidity—keep it flexible!
- 1 teaspoon salt: It’s a small amount that transforms flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 large egg: This will bind everything together and contribute to that tender texture.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Brushing the rolls with this luscious butter before baking adds a decadent finish.
- Sea salt (for topping): A final sprinkle before they go into the oven is a must for that contrasting crunch.
Preparing Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part of transforming these components into something spectacular!
-
Warm the milk, butter, and honey: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the whole milk, unsalted butter, and honey. Stir until the butter has melted. Be careful not to overheat it; your goal is to get it warm, not boiling.
-
Cool it down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it come to room temperature. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast—yikes!
-
Activate the yeast: Once your mixture is cool, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step is magic—you’re waking up the yeast!
-
Mix the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with the salt.
-
Bring it all together: Add your frothy yeast mixture and the egg to the flour, mixing until it forms a soft, shaggy dough.
-
Knead your dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked.
-
Rise and shine: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes about 1 hour. It’s a great time to start prepping your meal or just enjoy a little well-deserved downtime.
-
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when our rolls are.
-
Shape the rolls: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick, then cut it into rectangles. Fold each rectangle in half and shape them into rolls, tucking the edges.
-
Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Patience is key!
-
Butter it up: Brush the tops generously with melted salted butter and give them a little sprinkle of sea salt—don’t be shy!
-
Bake to perfection: Pop them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden brown. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly!
-
Serve warm: Once they’ve cooled just slightly, dig in! These rolls are best served warm with a generous dollop of honey butter.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving these Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls is an experience in itself. The best way? Right out of the oven, slathered with homemade honey butter, of course! They make a fabulous accompaniment to any meal, whether you’re serving them alongside a hearty stew or tender roast chicken.
Feeling adventurous? Consider transforming leftovers into sliders or mini sandwiches! You could also serve them with a side of your favorite jam or cheese for a delightful brunch spread. One of my favorite pairings is simply butter and a touch of flaky sea salt—talk about bliss!
How to store and freeze
Let’s chat about leftovers! If you happen to have any rolls left (although I’m betting they won’t last long), here’s how to keep them fresh:
-
Storing: Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re aiming for longer preservation, consider refrigerating for up to a week, though they’ll lose some softness.
-
Freezing: You can also freeze baked rolls! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm them up in the oven before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
A few insider tips for ultimate success:
-
Flour adjustments: Don’t hesitate to add more flour if your dough is too sticky! Just remember, a little extra will help the texture, but too much can dry them out. It’s like balancing on a tightrope—find that sweet spot!
-
Temperature matters: Ensure your liquids are warm—not hot! This activates the yeast for that glorious rise you’re after.
-
Kneading: When kneading, don’t rush. Take your time; it’s when the gluten develops, which gives that airy structure.
-
Egg wash alternative: For a vegan option, swap in aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) instead of the egg in the dough and for brushing.
Creative Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some fun ideas:
-
Herbed butter: Infuse your melted butter with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
-
Garlic addition: Add minced garlic to your butter for a savory kick that pairs beautifully with honey.
-
Add-ins: What about a sprinkle of cheese or caramelized onions in the center? A delicious surprise awaits!
-
Sweet toppings: Feel free to glaze the rolls with a honey-lemon drizzle once baked for an added zing.
Ingredients list
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (for brushing)
- Sea salt (for topping)
Directions to follow
- Warm milk, butter, and honey in a saucepan until butter melts.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Sprinkle yeast over the warm mixture, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Combine 3 1/2 cups flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg; mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface until smooth.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough, cut into rectangles, and shape into rolls.
- Arrange in a greased baking dish, cover, and rise for another 30 minutes.
- Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm with honey butter.
Your questions answered
1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake the next day for fresh rolls!
2. What if I don’t have active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast in the same quantity—just toss it in with the dry ingredients!
3. Can I substitute whole milk?
Yes, you can use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
Wrap them in foil and pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth.
5. How can I add nutritional value?
Try incorporating whole wheat flour instead of some of the all-purpose flour, or sneak in chia seeds or ground flaxseeds for added nutrients!
If you’re ready to dive into this delightful baking experience, I promise you won’t regret it. These rolls are more than just a side dish; they’re an experience—a warm hug from the oven waiting to bring joy to your table. So, roll up those sleeves, and let your kitchen be filled with the heavenly scent of salted honey and butter. Get baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with your friends!
Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls
Description
These Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are a heartwarming treat, combining the sweetness of honey with the richness of butter for the perfect side dish.Ingredients
For the Rolls
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Warm the Milk Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the whole milk, unsalted butter, and honey until the butter has melted.Be careful not to overheat; the mixture should be warm, not boiling. -
Cool it Down
Remove from heat and let it come to room temperature.This is important to avoid killing the yeast. -
Activate the Yeast
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.This will wake up the yeast. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour with the salt in a mixing bowl. -
Combine Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and the egg to the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. -
Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.The dough should spring back when poked. -
Let it Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). -
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Shape the Rolls
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thick, cut into rectangles, and fold them into rolls. -
Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes. -
Butter and Salt
Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sea salt. -
Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. -
Serve Warm
Serve the rolls warm with honey butter.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Potassium 120mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 21g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 5 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 0 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.2 mg
- Phosphorus 40 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 5 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
