Rolls well worth the work

I've been searching for quite some time now for a good roll recipe, one that doesn't require a bread machine. When I ran into the "unedited" version of this recipe I thought it could be easily altered. So I made a few changes and they came out perfectly. I will say that making these rolls is quite time consuming, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time and follow the directions... and hopefully you'll have yourself a tray full of these fluffy golden rolls!


Parker House Rolls
Ingredients

• 2 c. whole milk
• 1 stick butter (1/2 c.)
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. (heaping) baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. (scant) baking soda
• 1/2 tbsp. (heaping) salt
• 1/2 c. (additional) all-purpose flour
• 1 stick (additional) melted butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine 2 cups milk, 1 stick butter, and sugar in a large pot. Bring to a simmer, and when the mixture is hot (but not boiling) turn off heat and allow to cool to warmer than lukewarm, about 40 minutes.

2. Sprinkle in the yeast and 4 cups of flour. Stir to combine, then cover and allow to rise for 1 hour.

3. After 1 hour, add baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 additional cup of flour. Stir to combine, then turn out onto a well floured surface. Knead dough for 8 to 10 minutes (you will have to use a lot of extra flour to keep the dough from sticking), then form into a ball and cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 40 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

5. Melt 1 stick of butter in a small saucepan.

6. Roll out dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut circles with a 2 1/2 inch cutter (or the rim of a glass cup). 

7. Dunk each circle in melted butter, then immediately fold in half and place on a cookie sheet, flat side down. Press lightly to encourage sealing. Repeat with the rest of the dough. {you will be able to place them very close to one another and should be able to fit at least 30 on a sheet}

8. Cover with a towel and allow rolls to rise 30 to 45 minutes.

9. Bake for 15 minutes till golden brown. Remove and serve.

(recipe adapted from Joy The Baker and Pioneer Woman)