Authentic German Brötchen Rolls
Experience the taste of traditional German bakeries with these homemade Brötchen rolls. Featuring a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, they're perfect for breakfast or as a side to any meal. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with your favorite spreads and toppings.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 2 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tablespoons shortening (or unsalted butter)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 7 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
For the Steam Effect (Crusty Texture):
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until creamy and foamy.
Prepare the Dough:
- Add shortening (or butter), salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix well for about 2 minutes.
- Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, ¼ cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding flour as needed, until smooth and elastic.
First Rise:
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, and turn to coat.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a ball.
- Let it rise again for another 45 minutes until doubled in size.
Shape the Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Divide into 24 equal pieces and shape each into an oval roll about 3 ½ inches long.
- Place the rolls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes.
Prepare for Baking:
- Place an empty baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven during preheating.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and cold milk to create an egg wash.
- Lightly brush the rolls with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
- Just before baking, carefully add 1 cup of ice cubes to the hot baking sheet at the bottom of the oven to create steam, which gives the rolls their signature crispy crust.
Bake the Rolls:
- Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Craving fresh, crispy, and fluffy German Brötchen at home? These classic German bread rolls are the perfect addition to any breakfast or dinner table. With a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior, they pair wonderfully with butter, jam, cheese, or cold cuts. 🧈🧀
Follow this step-by-step recipe to bake authentic Brötchen rolls just like those found in Germany’s bakeries! 🏡✨
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
These German Brötchen are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven! Try them with:✅ Butter & Jam 🍯
✅ Cheese & Cold Cuts 🧀🥓
✅ Nutella or Honey 🍫🍯
✅ Scrambled Eggs & Avocado 🥑🥚 Enjoy your homemade German Brötchen with your favorite toppings, and experience a little slice of Germany in your kitchen! 🇩🇪🥖
💡 Pro Tip: If you want even more crunch, lightly spritz the rolls with water right before baking! Did you try this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! 📝✨
