Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls)

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Mix in the shortening, salt, and 3 cups of the flour. Beat with a dough whisk or heavy spoon for 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Fold in the egg whites. Gradually add flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough gathers into a mass and starts pulling away from the bowl.

4. 4

   Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead, adding more flour as needed, for 8 to 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic with bubbles.

5. 5

   Lightly oil a large mixing bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Deflate the dough, shape it into a round, and let it rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.

7. 7

   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

8. 8

   Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and shape into oval rolls about 3 1/2 inches long. Place on lightly greased baking sheets, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 40 minutes.

9. 9

   Place an empty baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg white with the 2 tablespoons of milk to make an egg wash.

10. 10

    Lightly brush the risen rolls with the egg wash. Put 1 cup of ice cubes on the hot baking sheet in the oven and immediately place the rolls in the oven.

11. 11

    Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and cool.

• Calories 155.48 kcal Moderate
• Protein 4.37 g Low Source
• Carbs 29.99 g Moderate
• Total Fat 1.16 g Low Source
• Saturated Fat 0.33 g Low Source
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 0.03 mg Low Source
• Sodium 15.33 mg Low Source
• Fiber 1.29 g Low Source
• Sugar 1.64 g Low Source
• Added Sugar 1.04 g Low Source
• Calcium 2.27 mg Low Source
• Iron 1.85 mg Moderate
• Potassium 4.3 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 1.25 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.01 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten