Learn how to make perfectly soft and tender parker house rolls right at home with this straightforward dinner rolls recipe. Fluffy, light and generously brushed with salted honey butter, these honey butter rolls are impossible to resist!
Start Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the hook attachment, add 12 tablespoons of melted butter and the remaining 2 cups of room temperature milk. Turn the mixer on to LOW and mix until combined. Stop the mixer and add the whole egg, 2 egg yolks, and 2 tablespoons honey. Mix on LOW until combined. Add Yeast: Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape all the bloomed yeast mixture into the bowl. Mix on LOW until combined. Stop the mixer and add 6 ½ cups of flour and 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the bowl. Start mixing on LOW and slowly increase the speed to MEDIUM; beat until the dough starts to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl, about 2-3 minutes. If the dough is wet and sticking to the bowl, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a ball. (Note: You may need to add up to ½ cup (or 8 tablespoons) more flour. Use your best judgement.)
03Let Dough Rise: Dump the dough out onto a clean work surface. Brush the inside of bowl with softened butter or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the dough back into the (now oiled) bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the dough doubles in volume.
04While Dough Rises, Make the Honey Butter: Melt Butter and Add Honey: Add the remaining ¼ cup butter to a small microwave safe bowl. Place in the microwave and heat on 50% power until melted. Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey. Whisk well to combine. Set aside. (Note: You can melt the butter in a small saucepan if you prefer.)
05Shape and Fold Rolls: Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375-degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
06Shape Dough: Dust a clean work surface with flour and then lightly flour your hands. Next, gently dump the dough out onto the floured surface. Use your hands to gently press the dough into a 16x8-inch rectangle, approximately ½ to ¾-inch thick. DO NOT USE A ROLLING PIN.
07Cut Dough: Arrange the dough rectangle so that the short end is closest to you. Carefully rub the sides of a sharp knife with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Cut the dough in half lengthwise. Next, slice each half into 12 equal size strips (you should have 24 strips of dough total.)
08Fold Parker House Rolls: Working with one strip of dough at a time, fold the strip UN-EVENLY in half, so that the top part overlaps the bottom slightly. Next, tuck the overhanging dough all the way underneath the roll (almost like you are folding a business letter unevenly).
09Arrange Rolls: Transfer the folded roll to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them seam-side-down and TOUCHING to form three tightly packed columns of rolls.
10Bake Rolls: Bake: Transfer the rolls to the middle shelf in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and slightly bursting at the seams.
11Brush with Butter: Immediately remove the rolls from the oven and brush the tops generously with honey butter. Sprinkle flakey sea salt all over the rolls.
12Serve: Serve and enjoy honey butter parker rolls warm from the oven.