Description

This easy Parker rolls recipe creates tender, buttery rolls that are perfect for any meal, from quick family dinners to holiday spreads, using common ingredients.

Ingredients

500 g all-purpose flour
250 ml whole milk, warmed
7 g instant dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
50 g granulated sugar (0.25 cup)
10 g fine sea salt (1.5 teaspoons)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
150 g unsalted butter (75 g softened, 75 g melted)
75 ml extra virgin olive oil (60 ml for butter mixture, 15 ml for drizzling)
20 g Za’atar spice blend (15 g for butter mixture, 5 g for garnish)
Flaky sea salt, for garnish

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Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. (Ingredients appear well-blended. Use a large mixing bowl.)
Mix and Knead the Dough: Add warm milk, eggs, softened butter; mix, then knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Dough feels smooth. Knead for 8-10 min. If stiff, add 1 tsp warm milk. Dough should feel tacky but not sticky, pulling cleanly from hands.)
First Rise: Oil bowl, place dough, cover. Rise in warm spot 1-1.5 hours until doubled. (Dough becomes puffy and airy. Ensure a warm, draft-free place.)
Shape the Rolls: Deflate dough, roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Brush with half Za’atar-butter mixture. Cut circles, indent, and fold. (Rolls take classic folded shape. Use a 3-inch round cutter.)
Second Rise: Arrange rolls snugly in a 9×13 inch pan. Cover, rise 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy. (Rolls appear plump, almost touching. Don’t pack too tightly.)
Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat oven to 190 degrees C (375 degrees F). Bake 20-25 minutes until golden (93 degrees C / 200 degrees F internal). (Rolls are golden-brown. Use a thermometer. Baked rolls should sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom for doneness.)

Notes

For gluten-free, use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (texture may vary). For dairy-free, substitute whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and all butter with a high-quality vegan butter alternative. Customize with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder in the dough. This recipe uses instant yeast, so mix directly with dry ingredients, skipping activation. To speed up rising, place covered dough in a slightly warm (but off) oven. Dough should feel tacky but not sticky, pulling cleanly from hands. Baked rolls should sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 290 calories
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 330 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg