Parker House Rolls

```html

Parker House Rolls

My sister, Meghan, is known as the Bread Queen in our family. When I decided to tackle these Parker House Rolls, I knew I had to impress her since she’s a huge fan of buttery, delicious treats. I was thrilled when she not only praised them but asked for seconds!

This recipe might seem a bit daunting, but it really just requires a touch of patience. The dough needs time to rest and rise... twice! With just a few simple ingredients, you'll end up with a generous batch, making it a perfect hands-on baking experience. These rolls are easy to make and radiate warmth.

The Story Behind the Rolls

Parker House Rolls were invented at the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the 1870s. There are various theories about how these rolls came to be, but one thing is certain: they are made from folded dough brushed with butter, resulting in the soft, flavorful rolls we adore.

Even though the recipe may seem a bit complex, I found it well worth the effort. I started by dissolving yeast in warm water with a bit of sugar, then added the wet ingredients and gradually kneaded the dough until it was soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.

After kneading thoroughly and letting the dough rise for the first time, I divided it, rolled it out, brushed on the butter, folded it, cut it, and let it rise again before baking until golden brown. A final brush of butter once they’re out of the oven makes them even more enticing.

Tips for Baking Success

I have a few tips to help you succeed in making these rolls. First, weigh your ingredients for accuracy and consistency. Ensure that your water and milk are warmed to about 104-110°F (40-43°C). The best way to check is with a thermometer; if you don’t have one, feel the warmth as you would when washing your hands. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast.

Next, when kneading the dough, if it feels too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your hands. Be cautious—adding too much flour can result in dense rolls. If kneading by hand, aim for about 10 minutes. If using a stand mixer, knead for at least 5 minutes.

Cutting and folding the dough is essential. While it may take some time, this technique helps create rolls with a lovely airy interior.

Parker House Rolls Recipe

These Parker House Rolls are soft and fluffy with a rich buttery flavor. They are perfect served with a little extra butter or for dipping in soups, stews, or sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup sugar, divided (2oz or 50g)
• 1 Tbsp dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (about 104-110°F or 40-43°C)
• 1 cup warm milk (8oz)
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (675g) + a little extra for dusting
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Gather and prepare all your ingredients. Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar, dry yeast, and warm water, letting it sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 4 tablespoons of butter until melted. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, being careful not to let it boil.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, salt, and the remaining sugar. Add the milk mixture, yeast, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
5. Gradually add flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. When the dough thickens, use your hands to mix it well.
6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands.
7. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 90 minutes.
8. Once risen, divide the dough into 2 portions and roll each into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
9. Brush butter over the surface and cut into even pieces.
10. Finally, arrange the rolls in the prepared pan, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour before baking at 350°F for 25 minutes.

These Parker House Rolls might seem like a challenging task, but I assure you, they are definitely worth trying at least once. Happy baking and enjoy these delightful rolls!

```