If you’re searching for a comforting, buttery bread with a sweet and slightly salty twist, this Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe is here to steal your heart and your taste buds. These rolls are incredibly soft and fluffy with that classic tender crumb that Parker House rolls are loved for, but what sets them apart is the luscious honey butter brushed on top and that delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt that creates the most delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or just because the craving hits, these rolls will quickly become your go-to bread recipe to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver softness, sweetness, and that irresistible buttery flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and richness you crave in a homemade roll.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 packet Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast: The secret to a quick, fluffy rise that saves time without sacrificing fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in the dough.
- 1 cup warm whole milk: Provides moisture and a creamy richness to your rolls.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Adds gentle sweetness and natural moisture for a tender crumb.
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature): Infuses the dough with buttery flavor and keeps the rolls soft.
- 1 large egg (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and contributes to a golden, tender crust.
- flaky sea salt (for topping): A beautiful finishing touch that enhances the honey butter’s flavor.
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted): For brushing the rolls, adding that irresistible shine and richness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Combined with butter to create the luscious honey butter glaze.
How to Make Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Then add in the warm milk, honey, butter, and egg. Using the dough hook, mix everything together until the flour is fully incorporated, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. If your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour to get the perfect consistency. Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes. You can also leave it longer if you want to prep ahead of time, as it will gently rise and develop more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Butter
While your dough is resting, it’s time to mix up that glorious honey butter glaze. Simply combine the melted butter with honey in a small bowl and stir until smooth and well blended. This sweet and buttery glaze will be brushed generously over the rolls both before and after baking, creating that signature shine and flavor punch.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly flour your work surface, then turn out the dough and give it a gentle punch to remove excess air. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a 12-inch square, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness. Brush the entire surface of each square with the honey butter, reserving some glaze for the finish. Cut each square into 6 even strips.
Now comes the fun part: roll each strip into a cozy coil shape, and place each roll seam side down in the baking dish. This coiling technique helps create those classic layered, fluffy rolls you’ll love.
Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise
Cover the dish and let these beauties rise until they puff up nicely, about 30 minutes at room temperature. If you want to get ahead of the game, pop the covered dish in the refrigerator overnight — this slow rise develops even deeper flavor and saves time on baking day.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake the rolls for 18 to 25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color on top. Once out of the oven, immediately brush the rolls with the remaining honey butter for a heavenly, glossy finish. Finally, sprinkle a few flaky sea salt crystals over the top to add that perfect savory contrast to the sweetness. Now, pull them apart and serve warm for the best experience!
How to Serve Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
While the rolls themselves are star enough, a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme can add an aromatic pop that pairs beautifully with the salted honey glaze. A light dusting of extra flaky sea salt just before serving enhances each bite’s sweet and salty harmony.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine as the perfect accompaniment to hearty soups, stews, or roast dinners. Think creamy chicken pot pie, rich beef stew, or honey-glazed ham — their fluffy texture and sweet butteriness balance the savory, comforting dishes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, arrange your Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe on a wooden board lined with parchment paper or a linen napkin. Serve with small dishes of extra honey butter for dipping, or create a sandwich slider station using these rolls with sliced meats and cheeses for a fun twist at brunch or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These rolls stay soft and fresh when stored in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. To keep their delightful texture, avoid the fridge, which can dry out bread quickly.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either before baking (after shaping) or after baking and cooling completely. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of foil or store in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat rolls wrapped in foil in a preheated 300 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave (about 20 seconds) works in a pinch, just be mindful not to overdo it to avoid drying out the rolls.
FAQs
Can I substitute the whole milk?
Yes! You can use 2% milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk as a substitute, but whole milk gives the richest, softest crumb.
What if I don’t have salted butter?
No worries! Use unsalted butter and add a pinch more salt to the dough and honey butter glaze to maintain the perfect flavor balance.
Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Mix and knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, though it may take a bit more elbow grease.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and a firm but springy feel when gently pressed. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer — it should read around 190°F.
Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Traditional Parker House rolls rely on gluten for their structure, so a gluten-free version would require special flour blends and adjustments, which may affect texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe is like gifting yourself a warm, comforting hug in bread form. The combination of tender dough, silky honey butter, and that irresistible sea salt finish will have you coming back for seconds and sharing these heavenly rolls with everyone you love. Don’t wait for a special occasion — whip up a batch today and savor a truly delightful homemade treat!
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Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are soft, fluffy, and tender with a delightful honey butter glaze that caramelizes during baking, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect as a comforting side or for any special dinner gathering, these rolls combine a slight sweetness with buttery richness and a subtly salted finish.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1 packet Fleischmann’s® Rapid Rise Yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
Honey Butter Glaze
- 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons honey
Topping
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and kosher salt. Add warm whole milk, honey, egg, and room temperature butter. Using the dough hook attachment, mix until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth, about 4-5 minutes. If the dough feels sticky, gradually add up to 1/4 cup more flour as needed. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest uncovered at room temperature for 15 minutes or up to a few hours to begin fermenting.
- Prepare honey butter: While the dough rests, combine melted butter and honey in a small bowl and mix until well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare baking dish and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking during baking.
- Shape the rolls: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each half out to form a 12-inch square about 1/4 inch thick. Generously brush the honey butter glaze over the surface of each square, reserving some glaze for later. Cut each square into 6 equal strips. Starting at one end, roll each strip into a tight coil to create the classic Parker House roll shape. Place each roll coil seam side down in the prepared baking dish side by side.
- Proof the rolls: Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the rolls rise at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until they have puffed up noticeably. Alternatively, for enhanced flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate the rolls overnight to allow a slow rise.
- Bake the rolls: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake rolls for 18-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Add finishing touches and serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush with the reserved honey butter glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm rolls to add an inviting crunch and balance the sweetness. Pull apart the rolls and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- The dough can be rested at room temperature for as little as 15 minutes or refrigerated overnight for deeper flavor development.
- Adjust flour as necessary to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
- Using warm milk helps activate the yeast efficiently.
- Room temperature egg and butter ensure better incorporation into the dough.
- Flaky sea salt finishing adds a delicious contrast to the sweet honey butter glaze.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be reheated gently.
