Easy Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls – Soft & Buttery

Soft, buttery copycat Sister Schubert’s rolls made from scratch with simple ingredients. These fluffy Parker House–style dinner rolls bake up golden brown and taste even better than the freezer version.

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If you’ve ever reached for those soft, buttery rolls in the freezer section, you’re going to love this copycat Sister Schuberts rolls recipe. These homemade, schubert-style rolls have that same pillowy texture, golden brown tops, and slightly sweet flavor, but they’re made completely from scratch with simple pantry ingredients.

If you’ve been searching for the best store bought dinner rolls alternative, this recipe delivers everything you love about those famous Parker House rolls, without preservatives, plastic wrap packaging, or mystery ingredients.

These are the kind of homemade yeast rolls that belong on your Sunday table, holiday spread, or tucked into the freezer for busy weeknights.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Better than store-bought. These copycat Sister Schubert’s rolls have the same soft, buttery texture, but are made from scratch with real ingredients.
• Soft and golden every time. Light, fluffy centers with perfectly golden brown tops, just like classic Parker House rolls.
• Freezer-friendly. Prep ahead and bake fresh when needed, just like frozen unbaked dinner rolls.
• Flexible flour options. Use all purpose flour or fresh milled hard white wheat flour for a wholesome twist.
• Simple pantry ingredients. No preservatives, just homemade yeast rolls done right.

Why Make Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls at Home?

Sister Schubert’s (often misspelled Mrs Schubert) made Parker house rolls frozen and ready to bake a staple in many Southern homes. They’re known for their soft pull-apart layers and buttery tops.

But here’s the truth:

Homemade parker house rolls are:

• Fresher
• More flavorful
• Free of additives
• Easily made ahead
• Freezer-friendly just like frozen unbaked dinner rolls

And honestly? They taste better.

This schubert style recipe keeps that nostalgic flavor while using real ingredients and traditional baking methods.

What Are Parker House Rolls?

Classic Parker House rolls are lightly sweet, yeast-based dinner rolls traditionally shaped by folding dough over itself before baking. They’re soft, fluffy, and slightly rich from butter and egg.

Over time, they became one of the most popular dinner rolls recipe styles in America, even inspiring grocery store versions and variations like saveur parker house rolls.

This recipe parker house rolls version stays true to that soft texture while mimicking the famous freezer aisle favorite.

Ingredients for Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

• Milk
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Butter
• Egg
• Salt
• All purpose flour (or wheat flour / whole wheat flour variation in the recipe card below)

If you prefer whole wheat flour, you can substitute up to half the flour for a heartier homemade parker house rolls texture.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Baking pans or baking sheet
• Parchment paper

You can absolutely make these homemade yeast rolls by hand. Kneading just takes a little elbow grease.

How to Make Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, whisk together warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

If using rapid rise yeast or fast rising yeast, you can skip the proofing and mix directly with the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour using a dough hook or wooden spoon.

Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Kneading the Dough

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, this should take 3-5 minutes on low to medium speed.

The dough should:

• Pull away from the sides of the bowl
• Feel slightly tacky but not sticky
• Stretch without tearing

Proper kneading is what gives Parker yeast rolls that fluffy structure.

Step 4: First Rise

Grease a bowl lightly, place the dough inside, and cover (plastic wrap or a clean towel). Let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls (Schubert Style)

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Roll evenly into a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut into 12 equal pieces using a knife or pizza cutter.

For a more traditional classic Parker House rolls look, you can fold each piece slightly before placing in the baking pans.

Step 6: Final Rise

Place rolls evenly on a greased baking sheet or parchment-lined pans.

Cover and let rise 30–45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake 10–12 minutes until tops are beautifully golden brown.

Immediately melt butter and brush over warm rolls for that signature schubert style shine.

How to Freeze Homemade Parker House Rolls

One reason Sister Schubert’s became so popular is convenience.

Good news? These freeze just like frozen unbaked dinner rolls.

To Freeze Before Baking

1. Shape rolls.
2. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Freeze 30 minutes.
4. Transfer to a freezer bag.

When ready to bake:

• Let thaw and rise 1–2 hours.
• Bake as directed.

To Freeze After Baking

Let cool completely. Store in an airtight bag up to 3 months.

Reheat wrapped in foil at 300°F until warm.

Perfect for holidays or meal prep.

How to Store Copycat Sister Schubert’s Rolls

Proper storage keeps these homemade yeast rolls soft, fresh, and ready whenever you need them.

At Room Temperature

Let the rolls cool completely, then store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 days. Keeping air out helps maintain that soft, fluffy texture.

In the Refrigerator

For slightly longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm in the oven or microwave before serving to restore softness.

Are These Better Than the Best Store Bought Dinner Rolls?

If you grew up on the freezer version, you might be skeptical.

But once you taste these homemade parker house rolls fresh from the oven, you’ll understand why so many consider them the world best dinner rolls made at home.

They’re:

• Softer
• Richer
• More buttery
• More flavorful

And they don’t taste like they came from a factory.

FAQ’s

Serve These Rolls With

These copycat Sister Schubert’s rolls pair beautifully with:

• Cube Steak and Gravy 
• Cast Iron Fried Chicken 
• Redskin Mashed Potatoes 

There’s nothing like warm dinner rolls with yeast, fresh from the oven, soaking up rich gravy.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about pulling apart warm, buttery rolls that taste just like grandma’s parker house rolls.

But making them yourself? That feels even better.

If you make this recipe, tag me @lewisacreshomestead I love seeing your from-scratch creations.

And if you’ve been searching for the perfect Schubert style copycat, I hope this becomes your go-to.

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