Parker House Rolls

Parker House rolls are distinguished by their unique shape.  If you ask me, they bear a close resemblance to a baby butt.  😂 👶🏻 Am I the only one who sees two plump little baby "cheeks" when they see these yeast rolls. 👉🏻

Clearly, I missed the mark on the proper formation of traditional Parker House rolls in my first attempt.  I nailed the fluffy texture and buttery taste but my baby butt forming technique needs work. 😂 Looking back over my procedures - I think I've discovered the error of my ways.  I guess I'll just have to keep making these rolls until I perfect the proper form.  (Ben wouldn't mind that a bit.)  

Parker House Rolls
4 cups flour
2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 cups milk
14 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 egg
​2 Tablespoons sugar

Whisk together flour, yeast and salt in bowl of stand mixer. 

Whisk together milk, 8 T. butter, egg and sugar. 

Slowly add milk mixture to flour mixture and knead with dough hook for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a greased bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 - 1 1/2 hours. 

Divide dough in half.  

Cut each half into 12 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball.  Let rest 15 minutes. Press into a 1/4" rounds.

Press the handle of a wooden spoon into the center of each round to crease.

Brush rounds with 3 T. butter.   Fold in half along crease line in center.  (They look like little butts) 😂

Place rolls 2" apart on silpat lined baking sheets.  Cover and let rise 1 - 1 1/2 hours. 

Brush rolls with 3 T. butter.   Bake 20-25 minutes at 350.  

Did you see where I went wrong?  I should have flattened my dough balls into disks before I pressed the wooden spoon handle into them.  I also should have folded the disks in half at the seam before I let them rise for the second time.  My guess is that these changes would have yielded rolls that much more closely resemble traditional Parker House rolls.  Honestly though - even though the look was off  - the taste was the amazing.  These were deliciously, light and flaky dinner rolls. 😋
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Ciao!

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