Q1: Why didn't my rolls rise?

The two most common culprits for rolls that don't rise are dead yeast or a room that is too cold. Always check that your yeast becomes foamy and bubbly when you proof it in warm water—this is the sign that it is alive and active! Yeast also loves a warm environment, so be sure to let your dough rise in a cozy, draft-free spot.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time for a holiday dinner?

Yes, absolutely! The best method is to freeze the fully baked rolls. When you are ready for your dinner, you can simply reheat them from frozen in a foil-wrapped packet in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. They will taste just as fresh and fluffy as the day you baked them!

Q3: Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes! You can absolutely mix and knead this dough by hand. It will just require a bit more arm muscle! Simply mix the ingredients together in a large bowl with a wooden spoon, and then turn the shaggy dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic.

Q4: My rolls are dense, not fluffy. What happened?

Dense rolls are usually the result of one of two things: the dough was under-proofed (it didn't get a chance to rise long enough to become light and airy), or too much flour was added, which can make the dough heavy.

Q5: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! If you are using instant yeast, you can typically skip the initial "proofing" step and simply mix the yeast in with your dry ingredients.

Fluffy Parker House Rolls (An Easy, Classic Recipe!)

A classic recipe for soft, fluffy, and buttery Parker House Rolls, a quintessential American dinner roll. This from-scratch recipe involves making an enriched yeast dough with milk, butter, and eggs. The dough goes through two rises to develop a light, airy texture, and is then shaped and baked until golden brown. The rolls are finished with a final brush of melted butter for an extra rich flavor and a beautiful shine, making them a perfect accompaniment for a holiday meal.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for brushing
1/2 cup sugar
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading

Instructions

In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and sugar until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until foamy.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the cooled milk mixture, the beaten eggs, the yeast mixture, the salt, and half of the flour. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix until a smooth ball of dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 60 to 70 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
Punch down the dough on a floured surface. Shape the dough into your desired shapes (traditionally, ovals are folded in half) and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Cover the rolls again and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes, until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the rolls from the oven and brush them with melted butter before serving.

Notes

This is a classic American dinner roll, famous for its soft, pillowy texture and buttery flavor.
The two separate rising times are crucial for developing the light and airy texture of the rolls.
Brushing the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven is a signature step that makes them extra delicious and gives them a beautiful sheen.
These rolls are perfect for a holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/fluffy-parker-house-rolls/