Carrageenan Free Classic Parker House Rolls
Soft, pillowy, and brushed with melted butter at every stage, these rolls are the kind of thing that disappears from the table before dinner is even served. The dough comes together with whole milk, egg, and real unsalted butter kneaded right in, giving each roll that signature tender, slightly rich crumb that makes Parker House rolls so iconic. Folding each piece over a slick of melted butter before baking is the move that creates those feathery layers and the classic shape — it's a small step that makes a big difference. Many store-bought rolls and packaged breads rely on emulsifiers and stabilizers, including carrageenan, to extend shelf life and improve texture, but everything here is straightforward pantry staple territory with zero additives needed. A final brush of butter straight out of the oven and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top takes them from great to genuinely unforgettable. These are the rolls you bring to a holiday dinner and suddenly everyone wants the recipe.
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Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
For the dough
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 1 large egg
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
For brushing
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it just begins to steam, about 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool until it is warm to the touch but not hot (around 105–110°F / 40–43°C). Combine the warm milk and warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle the yeast and 1 tsp of the sugar over the liquid and let stand until foamy and fragrant, about 5–10 minutes.
- 2
Add the remaining sugar, flour, salt, and egg to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes, then increase to medium speed and knead for 4 minutes.
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