Best Parker House Rolls Recipes

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Place milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, stir in the butter and sugar and let cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit until foamy. Combine milk mixture, eggs, yeast, salt, and 1/2 of the flour in a mixer with the dough attachment and mix until smooth. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until a smooth ball forms.
• Remove from the bowl and knead by hand on a floured surface for about 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 60 to 70 minutes. On a floured surface, punch down the dough and shape into desired shapes. Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover again and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Preheat the oven 350 degrees F.
• Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.

THE BEST PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium-high until it just starts to simmer, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter and the sugar until melted. Set aside to cool.
• Put the warm water in a small liquid measuring cup and stir in the yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
• Combine the milk mixture, yeast mixture, eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and half the flour in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Mix on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Slowly add the remaining flour, mixing until a smooth ball forms. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue to knead the dough until very smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Coat a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray, then place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 60 to 75 minutes.
• Melt the remaining 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Set aside.
• Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper then spray the paper.
• Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto the prepared surface. Pat into an even thickness.
• Use a chef's knife or bench scraper to divide the dough into 24 pieces, then shape into balls to create small rolls. Place in the prepared baking dish in rows of 4 by 6, then brush the tops of the rolls with 4 tablespoons of the melted butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until almost doubled in size, 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven 350 degrees F.
• Remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle the rolls lightly with flaky sea salt. Bake until puffed and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with the remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter. Serve warm.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add milk, salt, egg, oil, 2 cups flour and remaining water and sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 2 portions. Roll each portion to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. If desired, brush with butter., Using the dull edge of a knife, crease each slightly off-center. Fold at the crease. Press edges together lightly. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover with a kitchen towel; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°., Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Spray a half sheet pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
• Place the milk, sugar, yeast, flour, egg yolks, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Combine on low speed for 1 minute. Change the paddle attachment to the dough hook and rest the dough for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add 2 ounces of the room temperature butter and mix on low speed. Increase the speed to medium and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and you are able to gently pull the dough into a thin sheet that light will pass through, about 8 minutes.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll and shape with hands to form a large ball. Return dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm, dry place to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Remove the dough from the bowl and roll into a 16 by 3-inch log. Use a bench knife to cut the dough into 1 3/4-ounce portions, about 16 rolls. Using your loosely cupped hand, roll each portion on the counter until they tighten into small balls. Working 1 at a time, use a rolling pin to roll each small ball into a 3-inch circle or oval. Use the side of your hand or a small dowel to make an indentation across the middle of the circle. Place a small pat of chilled butter into the center of the indentation, then fold in half and gently press to seal the edges. Place the rolls, top-side down, onto the prepared sheet pan, spacing them evenly. Melt the remaining 1 ounce butter and brush the tops of the rolls. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, dry place to rise until doubled in size, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Remove the plastic wrap and bake until the rolls reach an internal temperature of 200 degrees F, 8 to 10 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking.
• Remove the pan to a cooling rack and cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
• For Brown and Serve option:
• Assemble rolls as above, but bake as follows.
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• Bake until the outside of the rolls just begin to set but have not browned and the internal temperature is 185 degrees, about 30 minutes. Remove and cool on the pan for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the rolls from the pan and place on a cooling rack until they are room temperature, 30 to 40 minutes. Place the rolls in bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To Finish:
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Thaw the rolls for 60 to 90 minutes.
• Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray. Place the rolls on the prepared sheet pan and bake until the rolls reach an internal temperature of 200 degrees F. Rotate the pan halfway through baking, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the pan to a cooling rack and cool for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

PARKER HOUSE DINNER ROLLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the shortening, sugar and salt. Stir in boiling water. Cool to 110°-115°. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add yeast mixture, eggs and 3 cups flour to shortening mixture. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes., Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Fold circles in half; press edges to seal. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks. Brush with butter. Serve warm.

EASY PARKER HOUSE DINNER ROLLS

Steps:

• Soften yeast in warm water.
• In large mixing bowl, combine the scalded milk, 1/4 cup butter and salt; stir until butter melts.
• Add custard mix; stir until dissolved.
• Cool to lukewarm!
• Add yeast.
• Gradually add flour to form a stiff dough.
• Cover, let rise in warmplace until light and doubled in size, 1-1 ½ hours.
• Turn out on lightly floured surface; knead about 12-14 times.
• Roll out to 20x8" rectangle.
• Cut in half lengthwise, making 20X4" strips.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush on half of each strip.
• Using a knife handle,crease each strip lengthwise, slightly off center.
• Fold buttered side over unbuttered side.
• Cut into 3" rolls.
• Place in greased baking dish or cookie sheet.
• Cover; let rise in warm place until light, about 45-60 minutes.
• Before baking, lightly brush tops with milk.
• Bake at 400; for 10-15 minutes until light golden.

KHALIL HYMORE'S PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine milk and yeast and let stand for 5 minutes. Add flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt, 5 tablespoons butter pieces, and sugar. With dough hook, mix on low until mixture just comes together. Increase to medium-high; beat until butter is incorporated and dough is soft, 10 minutes.
• Lightly coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Form dough into a ball, place in bowl, and cover with a damp clean dish towel. Set aside in a warm, draft-free place and let rise until dough doubles in size, 1 to 2 hours (or refrigerate overnight; bring to room temperature before baking).
• Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking pan with cooking spray. Turn dough out onto a work surface and loosely cover with damp towel so it doesn't dry out. With a sharp knife, divide dough into 24 pieces, roll into smooth balls (about 2 inches each), and arrange in pan, 1/2 inch apart. Cover with towel and let rise until rolls begin to touch, 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush rolls with half the melted butter; bake until golden brown, 30 minutes. Brush with remaining melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and serve warm.

SISTER SCHUBERT'S PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Combine yeast and warm water in two cup liquid measuring cup and let stand 5 minutes.
• Combine 4 cups of sifted flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
• Stir in yeast mixture and shortening.
• Add eggs and remaining 1 cup of flour and stir vigorously until well blended.
• Dough will be soft and sticky.
• Brush dough with some of the melted butter and cover loosely.
• Let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in bulk.
• Grease four 8" round cake pans and set aside.
• Sift 3/4 cup of flour in a thick layer evenly over work surface.
• Turn dough out onto surface; it will be soft.
• Sift 1/2 cup of flour evenly over dough.
• Roll dough to 1/2" thickness and brush off excess flour.
• Cut out dough using a floured 2" biscuit cutter.
• Pull each round into an oval, approximately 2 1/2" long.
• Dip one side of oval into melted butter and fold oval in half with buttered side facing out.
• For each pan, place the fold side of 10 rolls against the side of the pan, pressing center fronts of rolls together gently to seal.
• Place 5 rolls in inner circle and 1 in the middle for a total of 16 rolls per pan.
• Cover loosely and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 400° and bake rolls uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

PULL-APART PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• For the flour paste: Add 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is a smooth pudding-like consistency, 30 to 45 seconds. Let cool.
• For the dough: Add the milk and egg to the flour paste and whisk together until smooth. Transfer the paste to a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook and add the flour and yeast. Mix on low speed until all the flour is moistened, 1 to 2 minutes. Let rest in the bowl for 15 minutes.
• After 15 minutes, with the mixer running on medium-low speed, add the sugar and salt and mix for about 5 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons of the butter and mix, scraping down the sides of the bowl when necessary, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to form a ball. Spray a mixing bowl with cooking spray, add the dough ball, cover with plastic wrap and let rest until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• Transfer the dough to a work surface and press gently but firmly to release the air. Stretch the dough to form a 9-by-10-inch rectangle. Cut the dough lengthwise into 4 equal strips, then cut those strips into 3 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, stretch and press each one into an 8-by-2-inch inch strip. Roll each strip small end to small end in order to form a snug roll.
• Grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet with butter and arrange the rolls in the skillet, 10 around the outside and 2 in the middle. Cover with plastic and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
• Position an oven rack in the lowest position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Brush the rolls with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes.
• When ready to serve, using a 2-ounce ice cream scoop, place scoops of the garlic-herb or honey butter in the center of the bread and let your guests pull apart the bread from the skillet.

FANNIE FARMER'S PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Mix the 4 tablespoons room-temperature butter, the sugar, the salt and the warm milk in a large bowl and let cool to lukewarm.
• Stir the yeast into 1/4 cup warm water and let it stand for 5 minutes to dissolve.
• Make the sponge: Add 3 cups flour and the dissolved yeast to the ​milk​ mixture and beat vigorously for 2 minutes​ to form a loose batter.​ Cover and let rise in a warm place until double​d​ in bulk, about 1 hour​. ​​​
• Stir in the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time to form a shaggy dough firm enough to knead. Turn out onto a lightly floured board, knead for a minute or two, then let rest for 10 minutes. Resume kneading until smooth​, 8 to 10 minutes​.​ (Alternatively, add the sponge and 3 cups flour to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, and knead on low until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, 10 minutes.) Cover the bowl and let rise again until doubled in bulk, 45 to 60 minutes. ​
• Using a rolling pin, roll out dough until it is 1/3 inch thick. Cut with a 2 3/4-inch round biscuit cutter or with an oval Parker House roll cutter.
• Using the dull edge of a knife, make a crease through the center of each piece of dough, brush with melted butter, fold in half along the crease, and press edges lightly together.
• Place rolls 1 inch apart on a buttered baking sheet (or use a silicone baking mat). Let rise again until dough has doubled in size, about 45 minutes. (It should feel spongy to the touch, and hold an indentation when pressed with a finger.)
• Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and heat to 425 degrees. Bake rolls until golden, about 12 to 18 minutes. Brush again with melted butter. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. The rolls are best when freshly baked but can be reheated in a 350-degree oven for a few minutes before serving.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• In the detached bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Set aside until mixture is foamy, 5 to 10 minutes.
• Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment. On low speed, add 7 tablespoons melted butter, milk, salt, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, and eggs. Slowly add enough flour to make a sticky dough. Increase the speed to medium-high and knead until dough is smooth but still sticky, about 5 minutes. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead dough a few times. Brush the inside of a bowl with butter. Place dough in bowl; cover bowl with plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
• Generously brush a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface. Roll into a 12-by-16-inch rectangle. Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, cut dough lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Cut dough crosswise into 8 equal sections. You will have 32 rectangles. Brush dough generously with remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter. Fold each rectangle in half, and place in prepared baking pan, overlapping slightly, 8 across, and 4 down. Brush tops with remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter. Cover pan with buttered plastic wrap. Set aside to rise until dough does not spring back when pressed with a finger, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool for at least 5 minutes before turning out of pan.

FANNIE FARMER PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Whisk yeast and water in small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes. Heat milk in small saucepan over medium til just warm. Combine shortening, sugar, and salt in large bowl. Add warm milk; whisk to blend, breaking up shortening into small clumps (it may not melt completely).
• Whisk in yeast mixture and egg. Add flour; stir vigorously with wooden spoon til dough forms. Knead dough with lightly floured hands on lightly floured surface until smooth, 4-5 minutes.
• Transfer to lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temp til doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat oven ot 350. Melt butter in small saucepan. Lightly brush a 13x9 dish with some melted butter. Punch down dough, divide into 4 equal pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface into 12x6 rectangle.
• Cut lengthwise into three 2" wide strips; cut each crosswise into three 4x2" rectangles. Brush half of each with melted butter; fold unbuttered side over, allowing 1/4" overhang. Place flat in 1 corner of the dish, folded edge against short side of dish. Add remaining rolls, shingling to form 1 long row. Repeat with remaining dough for 4 rows. Brush with butter; loosely cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 min or up to 6 hours.
• Bake rolls until golden and puffed, 25-35 minutes. Brush with butter; sprinkle with sea salt.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS (BREAD MACHINE VERSION)

Steps:

• Directions Add water, 1/4 cup butter, egg, salt, bread flour, sugar and yeast to bread machine pan in the order suggested by manufacturer.
• Select dough/manual cycle.
• Meanwhile, put 1/4 cup butter in baking pan.
• Melt butter over low heat.
• Tilt pan to grease bottom.
• When cycle is complete, remove dough from machine to lightly floured surface.
• Roll out dough 1/2-inch thick.
• With floured 2 3/4-inch round cutter, cut dough into circles.
• Holding dough circle by the edge, dip both sides into melted butter in pan; fold in half.
• Arrange folded dough in rows in pan, each nearly touching the other.
• Knead trimmings together; re-roll and cut more rolls.
• Cover and let rise in warm, draft-free place about 45 minutes, or until doubled.
• Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven 15 to 18 minutes, or until done.
• Remove from pan and let cool on wire rack.
• Brush With additional butter if desired.
• Makes approximately.
• 12-18 rolls. At 4 rolls each calories = 154.
• I've made the mistake of using margarine in this recipe and ended up with flat rolls even after a good raise due to the water content in some margarines. Best Wishes and Enjoy! The original recipe is more than 30 years old.

CLASSIC PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• In the detached bowl of an electric mixer, whisk together yeast, 1/4 cup warm water (105 degrees), and a pinch of sugar. Set aside until mixture is foamy, about 6 minutes.
• Attach bowl to mixer fitted with the dough-hook attachment. On low speed, add 7 tablespoons butter, milk, salt, remaining sugar, and eggs. Slowly add enough flour to make a sticky dough. Brush the inside of a mixing bowl with butter. Place dough in bowl; cover bowl with buttered plastic wrap. Set aside until doubled in size, about 2 1/2 hours.
• Generously brush a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter. Turn dough out onto a floured work surface. Roll into a 12-by-16-inch rectangle. Brush dough generously with 3 tablespoons butter. Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, cut dough into 6 equal strips lengthwise. Cut dough crosswise into 4 equal parts. You will have 24 elongated rectangles. Fold each rectangle in half, and place in prepared baking pan, 4 across, and 6 down. Brush tops with remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Cover pan with buttered plastic wrap. Set aside to rise until dough does not spring back when pressed with a finger, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool for at least 5 minutes before turning out of pan.

EVERYTHING PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Prepare the rolls: In a medium pot, heat the milk and 4 tablespoons butter over medium until the mixture is just warm to the touch (about 95 degrees) and the butter is melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, milk powder, sugar, yeast and salt with 1 egg and the warmed milk mixture. Mix on low for 3 minutes, then increase the speed to medium and mix until the dough is smooth, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours. The dough may not double in size, but it should be noticeably puffy.
• Divide the dough into 12 even pieces (about 71 grams each). Gently round into balls: Cup your hand and fingers around a piece of dough then roll it on your work surface until it forms a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
• In a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch pan, arrange the balls in three rows of four. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until noticeably puffy, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the everything-bagel seasoning: Toss together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion and kosher salt.
• In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg. Brush the surface of each roll with the beaten egg and sprinkle each generously with everything-bagel seasoning (about 2 teaspoons per roll).
• Bake the rolls for 10 minutes, then brush the surface of the rolls generously with the melted butter. Bake until the rolls are evenly golden-brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Brush the baked rolls generously with the remaining melted butter. Let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Store leftover rolls at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag. (See tip for reheating instructions).

CRANBERRY PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Use an electric mixer, fitted with dough hook if possible, or a paddle. In mixer's bowl, combine yeast with 1/4 cup tepid water and a pinch of sugar. Stir until yeast dissolves; let stand until mixture gets foamy, about 10 minutes.
• Add milk, eggs and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar. Mix on a low speed until mixture is combined.
• Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, mixing for several seconds after each addition. Sprinkle in the salt and mix until dough comes together in a ball, 3 to 5 minutes. With mixer running at a medium speed, add cubes of butter one at a time. Mix until butter is completely incorporated, and dough is glossy and comes away from sides of bowl, about 5 minutes.
• Spray a bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Form dough into a loose ball and place it in bowl. Lightly spray plastic wrap and cover dough loosely with it. Allow dough to rest at room temperature for 2 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• While dough is rising, make cranberry butter. Place cranberries in a medium saucepan over a low heat. Add 1/2 cup water and sprinkle in the sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until berries are mushy and water evaporates. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Place softened butter in bowl of an electric mixer and beat on a low speed with paddle attachment. Add cranberries and beat until well combined. Keep butter covered with plastic wrap at room temperature until ready to use.
• Lightly spray 2 (12-cup) muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray. When dough has doubled in size, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each eighth into a 6-inch-long cylinder. Set one aside and cover remaining 7 cylinders with plastic wrap to prevent drying while you work.
• Cut first cylinder into 6 equal round pieces about 1 inch thick. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and flatten with your hands into a 2 1/2-inch round. Spread a generous amount of cranberry butter (about 2 teaspoons) on the face of each round and place each in a muffin cup, butter side up. Repeat this process with second cylinder of dough, this time placing the rounds butter side down on top of rounds in tin. Using your thumb, gently press center of each roll, making an indentation in middle. Place a dot of cranberry butter in each indentation. Repeat with remaining dough. Loosely cover muffin tins with plastic wrap.
• Allow rolls to rise until tops are puffed up to edge of muffin tin, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover and bake rolls until golden brown, about 22 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Turn rolls out of muffin tins. Serve warm with additional cranberry butter on the side.

CORNMEAL PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the sugar, cornmeal and salt. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 5-10 minutes or until thickened. Cool to 110°-115°. , In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add eggs and cornmeal mixture. Beat in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; roll out to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. biscuit cutter. Brush with melted butter. , Using the dull edge of a table knife, make an off-center crease in each roll. Fold along crease so the large half is on top; press along folded edge. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 30 minutes. , Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pans to wire racks. If desired, serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Stage 1: Combine the milk, sugar and 2 sticks butter in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and when the mixture is hot (but not boiling), turn off the heat and allow to cool to warmer than lukewarm, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Stage 2: Sprinkle in the yeast and add 8 cups of flour. Stir to combine, then cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.
• Stage 3: After 1 hour, add the salt, baking powder, baking soda and remaining 1 cup flour and stir to combine. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, then form into a ball, cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes.
• Stage 4: Melt 2 sticks butter in a saucepan.
• Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thick. Cut circles with a 2 1/2-inch cutter. Dunk each circle in the melted butter, then immediately fold in half and place on a baking sheet. Press lightly to encourage sealing. Cover with a towel and allow the rolls to rise 30 to 45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Stage 5: To parbake the rolls before freezing, bake until the rolls are risen and set but not brown, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Freeze the rolls separately, then store them in batches in freezer bags. (If you're not freezing the rolls and want to serve them right away, bake at 400 degrees F until risen, set and golden brown, about 15 minutes total.)
• When ready to cook and serve the frozen rolls, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the remaining stick of butter in a saucepan.
• Place the frozen rolls on baking sheets and brush them with the melted butter. Bake until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes. Brush them with additional melted butter if you like and let them sit for 1 minute. Serve while still warm.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Bloom the yeast.
• Measure out 1/2 cup warm water and check the temperature: It should be between 110 degrees F and 120 degrees F (comfortable bathwater temperature). Sprinkle the yeast into a large bowl, add the warm water and whisk in the sugar. Let sit 1 minute (it should bubble and froth slightly), then gently stir in 1 cup flour. Set aside near the stove while you prepare the dough.
• Make the dough.
• Mix the melted butter and milk in a mixer with the hook attachment on low speed. Add the eggs and mix until blended. Scrape in the yeast mixture and mix until incorporated. Add 6 1/2 cups flour and 1 tablespoon salt; mix until the dough forms a ball, 2 to 3 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if the dough is too wet and sticky.
• Let it rise.
• Brush a large bowl with softened butter. Transfer the dough to the bowl, cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place, 2 hours to 2 hours, 30 minutes. The dough should double in volume.
• Shape the dough.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust a clean flat surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Flour your hands; gently press the dough into a 16-by-8-inch rectangle, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick (don't use a rolling pin).
• Cut the dough.
• With the short side in front of you, cut the dough in half lengthwise with a floured knife. Then slice crosswise into 12 strips.
• Shape the dough.
• One at a time, fold each strip of dough unevenly in half so the top part slightly overlaps the bottom half, then tuck the overhang underneath. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in 3 tightly packed rows. (If making in advance, wrap the baking sheet tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 weeks.)
• Bake the rolls.
• Bake until the rolls are bursting at the seams and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. (If frozen, bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees F, then 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.) Remove from the oven and brush with softened butter. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

Steps:

• Whisk 1 envelope active dry yeast and 1/4 cup warm water (110°F-115°F) in a small bowl; let stand for 5 minutes.
• Heat 1 cup whole milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warm. Combine 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt in a large bowl. Add warm milk; whisk to blend, breaking up shortening into small clumps (it may not melt completely). Whisk in yeast mixture and 1 room-temperature large egg. Add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until dough forms. Knead dough with lightly floured hands on a lightly floured surface until smooth, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl; turn to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Lightly brush a 13x9" baking dish with some melted butter. Punch down dough; divide into 4 equal pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 12x6" rectangle.
• Cut lengthwise into three 2"-wide strips; cut each crosswise into three 4x2" rectangles. Brush half of each (about 2x2") with melted butter; fold unbuttered side over, allowing 1/4" overhang. Place flat in 1 corner of dish, folded edge against short side of dish. Add remaining rolls, shingling to form 1 long row. Repeat with remaining dough for 4 rows. Brush with melted butter, loosely cover with plastic, and chill for 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.
• Bake rolls until golden and puffed, 25-35 minutes. Brush with butter; sprinkle flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) over. Serve warm.