Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls

Q: What’s the difference between Parker House rolls and dinner rolls?

Parker House rolls are traditionally folded or coiled , slightly sweeter , and brushed with butter both before and after baking. Regular dinner rolls are usually round and often less rich in flavor.

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Nothing beats the aroma of warm, buttery rolls fresh out of the oven—especially when they’re glazed with sweet honey butter and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls that are fluffy, golden, and practically melt in your mouth. Inspired by the classic Boston creation, this updated version uses salted butter and honey to elevate a traditional favorite into a holiday-worthy showstopper.

We’ll cover what makes these rolls unique, walk you through every step (with tips for perfect coiling and golden browning), and share make-ahead and freezing options that make holiday prep a breeze. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because—these rolls are about to become your new go-to. Looking for inspiration? Try our Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread for the perfect pairing.

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Why These Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Stand Out

A nostalgic twist on classic Parker House rolls

Parker House Rolls trace back to the 1800s at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, where they were known for their folded-over shape and soft, tender crumb. Our version modernizes the tradition while keeping everything you love: pillowy texture, rich flavor, and slight sweetness. But we’re rolling them into coils instead of folds, which not only looks stunning but allows for better honey butter distribution in every layer.

The magic of honey butter and flaky sea salt

What takes these rolls from good to unforgettable is the salted honey butter glaze. Brushing it on before and after baking adds a rich, sweet-savory balance that complements soups, meats, and even breakfast spreads. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end brings contrast that wakes up every bite.

What makes them perfect for holidays and everyday meals

These rolls don’t require hours of work or a professional kitchen. With Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® yeast, there’s no long first rise. You can have fluffy, bakery-quality rolls on the table in just over an hour. That makes them a dream for busy holiday schedules, Sunday suppers, or weeknight comfort meals.

Don’t miss our Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for a delicious side to pair with these rolls.

Ingredients Breakdown and Key Baking Tips

Essential ingredients and substitutes

Here’s everything you’ll need for the rolls, plus smart swaps in case you’re out of something:

Ingredient	Quantity	Substitute Option
All-purpose flour	3 ½ cups	Bread flour for chewier texture
Rapid Rise Yeast	1 packet	Active dry yeast (see notes below)
Kosher salt	½ tsp	Sea salt or table salt (adjust to taste)
Whole milk (warm)	1 cup	2% milk or dairy-free alternatives
Salted butter	4 tbsp (plus more for brushing)	Unsalted butter + ¼ tsp salt
Honey	3 tbsp	Maple syrup or agave
Egg (room temp)	1	Omit for egg-free rolls (texture changes)

You’ll also need flaky sea salt to finish and give that signature Parker House touch.

Why salted butter and honey matter

Swapping granulated sugar for honey brings depth and complexity that sugar alone can’t match. It also locks in moisture, helping keep these rolls soft for days. Salted butter, on the other hand, enhances the savory notes while balancing the honey’s sweetness, giving you the perfect blend of flavor.

Check out our Brown Butter Maple Blondies for another great use of rich butter flavor.

Tips for working with yeast for beginners

If you’re new to yeast baking, don’t stress. This recipe uses instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing. Just mix it into your flour, and you’re good to go. Still, here are a few pro tips:

Warm your milk to 110°F—hot enough to activate yeast, not kill it.
Make sure your butter and egg are room temp for smooth dough.
If using active dry yeast, combine it with warm milk and honey first. Let it foam for 10 minutes before adding to dry ingredients.

Looking for a sweet pairing? Discover great ideas like our White Chocolate Chai Pumpkin Snickerdoodles—they’re perfect for dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Parker House Rolls

Making homemade rolls might sound intimidating, but this recipe is foolproof—even for beginners. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of shaping practice, you’ll be baking rolls that rival any bakery. The magic is in the method, and we’re breaking it all down step by step.

Preparing the dough with instant yeast

Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet Rapid Rise Yeast
½ tsp kosher salt

To that, add your wet ingredients:

1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
3 tbsp honey
1 room temperature egg
4 tbsp softened salted butter

Mix on medium speed for 4–5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in up to ¼ cup more flour. Then cover the bowl loosely and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This brief rest activates the gluten while keeping prep time short—one of the perks of using instant yeast.

Need more cozy ideas? Don’t miss our Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup—a perfect match for these warm rolls.

How to shape perfect coiled rolls like a pro

Once your dough has rested, it’s time to shape.

Step-by-step shaping instructions:

Lightly flour your surface and divide the dough in half.
Roll each half into a 12-inch square, about ¼ inch thick.
Brush generously with your homemade honey butter (blend of 4 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp honey).
Cut each square into 6 long strips (12 total).
Roll each strip into a tight coil, cinnamon-roll style.
Place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

These coiled rolls bake up with beautiful spiral tops, capturing that buttery glaze in every crevice.

Let the shaped rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy. For overnight prep, just refrigerate the unbaked rolls (covered) and let them warm up for 30 minutes before baking.

Second rise and baking tips for a golden finish

Preheat your oven to 350°F during the second rise. Once the rolls have puffed, place the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven. You’re aiming for a golden top and a soft, fluffy inside.

When they’re out of the oven, brush immediately with the remaining honey butter. This step not only adds irresistible flavor, but also gives the rolls a glossy, bakery-style finish. Finally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that salty-sweet balance.

Serve warm, and watch them disappear. Don’t forget—these also make amazing mini sandwiches with leftovers like ham or turkey.

Craving more cozy casseroles? Check out our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice Casserole—another family favorite that pairs wonderfully with homemade bread.

Make-Ahead, Freeze & Reheat Tips

Life gets busy—especially during the holidays. That’s why these Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are perfect for prepping ahead, freezing, and reheating with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Here’s how to do it all without sacrificing quality.

How to prepare rolls in advance

You can fully prep these rolls up to Step 4 (shaped and in the pan) ahead of time. Instead of letting them rise, simply cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake:

Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking
Let them sit at room temperature to complete the second rise
Bake as directed

This is perfect for Thanksgiving mornings when the oven’s already working overtime.

Best ways to freeze unbaked vs baked rolls

There are two freezing options depending on your schedule:

Method	When to Freeze	How to Bake
Unbaked Rolls	After shaping and before second rise	Thaw in fridge overnight or at room temp for a few hours, then bake
Baked Rolls	After fully baking and cooling	Thaw, then reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 325°F until warmed through

Both methods preserve that soft, fluffy interior and buttery top. Just be sure to wrap tightly in plastic and foil for freezer storage.

Looking for sweet treats to freeze too? Don’t miss our Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bites—they freeze like a dream!

Reheating without drying them out

To reheat rolls without losing moisture:

Wrap them in foil
Warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes
Optional: Brush with fresh honey butter after heating

Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to dry them out or make them rubbery.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These rolls are show-stoppers on their own, but they really shine when served alongside cozy mains and seasonal favorites. Here are some ideas to inspire your table:

How to serve these rolls for holidays or brunch

Thanksgiving: Perfect for soaking up gravy and cranberry sauce
Christmas: Serve with roast beef or ham and spicy mustard
Brunch: Pair with scrambled eggs, fruit jam, or whipped honey butter
Dinner parties: Use for mini sliders with leftover meat and cheese

For the ultimate brunch combo, check out our Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake—it’s a crowd favorite!

Best dishes to pair with Parker House rolls

Main Dish	Why It Pairs Well
Pot roast or braised meats	Soak up the flavorful juices
Creamy soups and stews	Adds texture and richness
Salty appetizers	Balances with sweetness
Eggs and breakfast casseroles	Complements both sweet and savory

Try it with our cozy Creamy French Onion Mushroom Soup for a complete comfort meal.

Using leftovers: breakfast, lunchbox, and sliders

If you somehow end up with leftovers, don’t let them go to waste!

Breakfast sandwich: Add eggs, bacon, and cheese
Lunchbox slider: Ham or turkey with cranberry mayo
Mini pizza base: Split, top with sauce and cheese, and broil
Sweet snack: Toast with cinnamon butter or Nutella

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Parker House rolls without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes kneading easier, you can mix by hand. Just use a wooden spoon and knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

What’s the best way to reheat rolls and keep them soft?

Wrap rolls in foil and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes. Brush with extra honey butter after heating to refresh their flavor and texture.

Can I use gluten-free flour for these rolls?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. The texture won’t be quite as fluffy due to the lack of gluten structure.

What’s the difference between Parker House rolls and dinner rolls?

Parker House rolls are traditionally folded or coiled, slightly sweeter, and brushed with butter both before and after baking. Regular dinner rolls are usually round and often less rich in flavor.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love With These Rolls

Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are everything a dinner roll should be—pillowy soft, sweetly savory, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or a cozy Sunday meal, these rolls deliver flavor, comfort, and homemade charm in every bite. Don’t be surprised if they steal the spotlight from the main course.

Don’t miss our Brownie Batter Muddy Buddies for a quick dessert to follow these buttery bites!

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