If there’s one recipe that instantly elevates a dinner table, it’s Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls. These rolls are the perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and buttery—baked until golden and soft with a swirl of rich honey butter in every bite. Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, a cozy Sunday dinner, or just craving fresh-baked comfort, this recipe brings bakery-quality bread to your home kitchen without the fuss.
In this article, you’ll learn what makes Parker House Rolls such a timeless classic, how to bake them step-by-step with guaranteed softness, and insider tips for keeping that fluffy, pillowy texture just right. We’ll also explore creative customizations and meal pairings that go beyond the basics. Check out this buttery soft bread alternative if you’re building your holiday bread basket!
Let’s dive into the delicious world of warm rolls, melted honey butter, and flaky sea salt.
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Table of Contents
What Makes Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls So Special?
The Origins of the Classic Parker House Roll
These buttery rolls trace their roots back to the Parker House Hotel in Boston in the 19th century. Originally shaped as folded-over pockets of bread, Parker House Rolls became iconic for their soft interior and gently crisped edges. The modern adaptation often includes spiral shaping for a stunning presentation and even distribution of buttery flavor.
Parker House Rolls earned their place in American culinary history by being both approachable and elegant—a rare balance. They became a must-have for holidays like Thanksgiving, where warm bread is as essential as turkey.
Why Honey and Salted Butter Change Everything
The traditional Parker House dough uses sugar for sweetness, but swapping it for honey adds moisture, deeper flavor, and caramel-like undertones. Salted butter, meanwhile, balances the sweetness and enhances the overall richness.
This recipe uses both in generous quantities—melted into the dough, brushed on the outside, and swirled within every coil. When paired with a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, the result is an irresistible combination of savory and sweet that practically melts in your mouth.
Learn more about how sweetness transforms savory bakes, especially when paired with unexpected flavor layers.
The Perfect Roll for Holidays and Everyday Comfort Food
These rolls aren’t just for special occasions. Thanks to Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® yeast, they’re surprisingly fast to make and extremely forgiving, even for novice bakers. There’s no long first rise—you simply mix, shape, rise, and bake.
Whether you serve them warm with soup, use them for sliders, or eat them straight out of the pan (no judgment), they always deliver. Looking for inspiration? Try our easy French onion soup as the perfect dipper for these rolls.
How to Make Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls Step-by-Step
If baking homemade rolls feels intimidating, don’t worry—this version is beginner-friendly, forgiving, and downright foolproof. Here’s exactly how to achieve the tender crumb, buttery layers, and golden finish these rolls are known for.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to get started, but every ingredient serves a purpose. Here’s what goes into the magic:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Forms the structure of the dough |
| Rapid Rise Yeast | Speeds up rising time, eliminates long proofing |
| Whole milk (warm) | Adds moisture and richness |
| Salted butter (softened) | Infuses flavor and fat |
| Honey | Replaces sugar with deeper sweetness |
| Egg | Adds tenderness and structure |
| Flaky sea salt | Finishing touch for texture and balance |
Want to experiment? Discover great ideas like our cream cheese banana bread where ingredients play dual roles in both flavor and texture.
Preparing the Dough with Rapid Rise Yeast
Skip the long rise and dive right into a quick dough with instant yeast. Here’s how:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine 3½ cups of flour, a packet of rapid rise yeast, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in 1 cup of warm milk, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 large room-temp egg, and 4 tablespoons of soft salted butter.
- Knead: Use a dough hook to mix until the dough becomes smooth—about 4–5 minutes. If sticky, sprinkle in the remaining ¼ cup flour.
- Rest the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for just 15 minutes at room temperature. No need for an hour-long rise!
This short rest allows the gluten to develop slightly before shaping. Don’t miss our soft pumpkin cookies to see another example of soft dough transformation.
Rolling and Shaping Techniques for Perfect Coils
While classic Parker House Rolls are folded, this modern version gets a beautiful swirl from a simple rolling method:
- Divide the rested dough in half.
- Roll each half into a 12×12 inch square, about ¼-inch thick.
- Brush generously with homemade honey butter (recipe below).
- Slice each square into 6 strips, then roll each into a tight spiral.
- Place seam-side down into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
Pro tip: The tighter the coil, the better the layers. You’ll get beautifully baked edges and fluffy centers.
Baking Tips for Golden, Fluffy Rolls Every Time
After shaping, cover the pan and let the rolls rise a second time for about 30 minutes, or until they’re visibly puffy. Then:
- Bake at 350°F for 18–25 minutes, or until golden brown
- Brush with remaining honey butter immediately after baking
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast and crunch
Want to prep ahead? You can refrigerate shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning. For more freezer-friendly bakes, check out our apple cinnamon sheet cake recipe.
Secrets for Extra Buttery Flavor and Soft Texture
Mastering Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls means going beyond the basics. These pro tips ensure your rolls come out perfect—every single time.
Making the Dreamiest Honey Butter
Honey butter isn’t just a topping—it’s what sets these rolls apart. Here’s how to make it unforgettable:
- Combine 4 tablespoons softened salted butter with 2 tablespoons honey in a small bowl.
- Mix until fully blended, creamy, and smooth.
- Use half the mixture to brush inside the dough before rolling and save the rest for topping after baking.
Want a flavor boost? Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. Looking for a dip that complements this butter blend? Don’t miss our easy apricot buckle recipe—it pairs beautifully with honey-infused bread.
When and How to Add Flaky Sea Salt
Flaky sea salt enhances the sweet-salty balance and gives every bite a delicate crunch.
- Sprinkle it right after brushing with warm honey butter, when the rolls are hot out of the oven.
- Don’t overdo it—a few flakes per roll add enough contrast without overpowering.
This finishing move transforms the rolls from good to gourmet. It’s the same concept that elevates treats like our salted maple cinnamon cold brew.
How to Store, Reheat, or Freeze Rolls Without Losing Texture
Homemade rolls don’t stay warm forever, but they do reheat beautifully. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
| Storage Method | How To Do It |
|---|---|
| Room Temp (2 days) | Store in airtight container, reheat in microwave 10–15 sec. |
| Fridge (5 days) | Wrap in foil, reheat in oven at 300°F for 8–10 min. |
| Freezer (3 months) | Freeze after baking and cooling; thaw overnight before warming. |
To Freeze Before Baking: Shape rolls, place in pan, cover tightly with foil and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise 30 min at room temp, and bake as directed.
For other recipes that store and freeze well, try our pumpkin crisp, especially during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parker House Rolls
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them rise at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
What if I only have active dry yeast?
Mix active dry yeast with warm milk and honey first. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy before combining with dry ingredients.
How do I keep the rolls from getting dense?
Avoid adding too much flour. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. Also, make sure to let them rise fully before baking.
Final Thoughts on These Unforgettable Rolls
Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are more than a side dish—they’re the showstopper. With a tender crumb, buttery swirls, and the perfect hit of sweetness and salt, they turn any meal into something special.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday or treating yourself midweek, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Bake once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought rolls again.
Don’t miss our homemade fig bars if you’re ready to dive deeper into bakery-style baking at home.
PrintSalted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls
These Salted Honey Butter Parker House Rolls are soft, airy, buttery, and perfectly golden with a sweet touch of honey. Ideal for holidays or cozy dinners, they melt in your mouth and are easier to make than you’d expect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm milk, honey, egg, and softened butter.
- Using a dough hook, knead until smooth (4–5 minutes). Add up to 1/4 cup flour if dough is sticky.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- To make the honey butter, mix 4 tablespoons softened salted butter with 2 tablespoons honey.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Roll out dough halves into 12-inch squares about 1/4-inch thick.
- Brush with honey butter and cut each into 6 strips.
- Roll each strip into a tight coil and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake 18–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush with remaining honey butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use active dry yeast by blooming it in warm milk and honey for 5–10 minutes before mixing.
- Dough can be shaped and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Rolls can be frozen before or after baking for up to 3 months.
- To freeze unbaked, shape, freeze, thaw overnight, and bake as directed.
- To freeze baked, let cool, wrap, and freeze. Thaw and warm before serving.
