Brötchen bread

Brötchen, often referred to as “German rolls,” are small, crusty bread rolls that are popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. They are typically enjoyed for breakfast or as a side with meals. Here’s a simple recipe to make Brötchen at home:

▎Ingredients:

• 500 grams of all-purpose flour

• 300 ml of warm water

• 10 grams of active dry yeast

• 10 grams of sugar

• 5 grams of salt

• 10 grams  of vegetable oil

▎Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together. Create a well in the center and add the oil and warm water. Stir until a dough is formed.

2. Knead the Dough:

• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

3. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into equal pieces (about 10-12 pieces). Shape each piece into a round roll and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Second Rise:

• Cover the shaped rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up.

6. Preheat the Oven:

• While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).

7. Prepare for Baking:

• Just before baking, you can make a shallow cut on top of each roll with a sharp knife. If you like, sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top.

8. Bake:

• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Cool:

• Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

▎Serving:

Brötchen are best served fresh and warm. They can be enjoyed with butter, jam, cheese, or cold cuts. They also make excellent sandwiches!

Enjoy your homemade Brötchen! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!