Authentic German Brötchen
Experience the delight of these Traditional German Brötchen, perfectly crusty on the outside and soft within, ideal for breakfast or brunch. These rolls are easy to make and are perfect for pairing with butter, jam, or your favorite deli meats. Whether served alongside coffee or tea, they're guaranteed to impress. Bake a batch of these delicious Brötchen and share them with friends and family, bringing a taste of Germany to your table.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
2 tablespoons (none)
white sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
warm water
2 1/2 cups ((110°F))
shortening
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
all-purpose flour
7 cups (divided, use as needed)
egg whites
3 (stiffly beaten)
egg white
1 (for egg wash)
milk
2 tablespoons (for egg wash)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water (around 110°F). Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes, until it becomes creamy and frothy.
2
Add the shortening and salt to the yeast mixture, followed by 3 cups of all-purpose flour. Using a dough whisk or heavy spoon, mix for about 2 minutes until well combined. Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
3
Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until a dough mass begins to form and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
4
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic with a bubbly texture.
5
Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough inside, and turn it to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
6
Once doubled, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round. Cover and let rise again for about 45 minutes until it doubles in size once more.
7
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Deflate the dough again and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and shape each piece into an oval roll, approximately 3 1/2 inches long.
8
Arrange the shaped rolls on lightly greased baking sheets. Cover them and let them rise until doubled, about 40 minutes.
9
Place an empty baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven. In a small bowl, mix the egg white with 2 tablespoons of milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the risen rolls with the egg wash.
10
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the hot baking sheet in the oven to create steam, which helps achieve a crispy crust. Immediately place the rolls in the oven.
11
Bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the top.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic German Brötchen?
They are traditional German rolls that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
How many rolls does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 24 equal pieces shaped into oval rolls.
What is the ideal water temperature for the yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically around 110°F (43°C), to properly activate the yeast.
How much yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
How long should the yeast mixture sit?
Allow the yeast and sugar mixture to sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes creamy and frothy.
What type of flour is used in Brötchen?
7 cups of all-purpose flour are used, added gradually to achieve the right dough consistency.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
What is the duration of the first rise?
The dough should rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
How long is the second rise?
After the first deflation, the dough rises a second time for approximately 45 minutes.
How long is the final rise after shaping?
Once shaped into rolls, they need to rise for another 40 minutes before baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
Why are ice cubes added to the oven?
Ice cubes are added to a hot baking sheet on the bottom rack to create steam, which helps produce a crispy crust.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Mix 1 egg white with 2 tablespoons of milk and brush it lightly over the risen rolls.
How many calories are in one Brötchen?
Each roll contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the protein content per roll?
Each roll provides about 3.5g of protein.
How much fat is in these rolls?
These rolls are low in fat, containing only 1g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a single roll?
There are 24g of carbohydrates in each roll.
How long should the rolls bake?
Bake the rolls for approximately 20 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
What size should the shaped rolls be?
Each piece should be shaped into an oval approximately 3 1/2 inches long.
How do I prepare the egg whites for the dough?
The 3 egg whites used in the dough should be stiffly beaten before being folded in.
What is the purpose of shortening in this recipe?
2 tablespoons of shortening are added to the yeast mixture to contribute to the roll's texture.
What should the dough texture look like?
When finished kneading, the dough should be smooth and elastic with a bubbly texture.
Should the baking sheets be prepared?
Yes, the rolls should be arranged on lightly greased baking sheets.
How should Brötchen be cooled?
Remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
What are common serving suggestions?
They are delicious with butter, jam, or various deli meats.
Is sugar necessary for the dough?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of white sugar is used to help activate the yeast.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients: yeast, sugar, water, shortening, salt, flour, egg whites, milk, and ice for steam.
Can I serve these with beverages?
Yes, they are traditionally served alongside coffee or tea.
How do I know the rolls are done?
They are done when the tops have turned a beautiful golden brown.
What category of food do these fall into?
They are categorized as traditional German bread rolls, often used for breakfast.