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Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls)

Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls) deliver a thin, crackly exterior that gives way to a soft, slightly chewy crumb. Beaten egg whites create a lighter interior while steam encourages a glossy, shattering crust, making these rolls perfect alongside butter and jam at breakfast or as sandwich rolls for lunch.

  • Prep40 mins
  • Cook20 mins
  • Serves24
  • DifficultyMedium
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.

About This Recipe

Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls) is a German breakfast recipe made with 8 ingredients. It takes about 1 hr, serves 24, and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Active Dry Yeast, All Purpose Flour, Egg Whites, and Milk. Each serving provides about 149.95 kcal.

Recipe Questions

What is Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls)?
It is a German recipe made with 8 ingredients, usually served for breakfast or side dish or snack.
What is Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls) made of?
The main ingredients are Active Dry Yeast, All-Purpose Flour, Egg Whites, Milk, Salt. The full list of 8 is above.
How long does it take to make Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls)?
About 1 hr in total: 40 mins to prepare and 20 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 149.95 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Classic German Brötchen (Crusty Breakfast Rolls) easy to make?
This recipe is rated medium, with 8 ingredients and 11 steps.

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