The perfect bread

### **German Brötchen (Bread Rolls) Recipe**

**Description:**
Brötchen, also known as German bread rolls, are a staple in German households, often enjoyed for breakfast with butter, jam, or cold cuts. These rolls have a crisp golden crust and a light, fluffy interior, making them perfect for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to a meal. This recipe is designed to produce classic German Brötchen that are light, airy, and slightly chewy on the inside.

**Ingredients:**
- 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 300ml (1¼ cups) lukewarm water
- 7g (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 10g (2 tsp) salt
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp barley malt syrup or honey (optional, for color and flavor)
- Extra flour for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast (If using active dry yeast):**
- In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy. If you're using instant yeast, you can skip this step and add the yeast directly to the flour.

2. **Mixing the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and barley malt syrup (if using). Add the softened butter.
- Pour in the yeast mixture (or just water if using instant yeast) and mix everything together until a rough dough forms.

3. **Kneading:**
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes.

4. **First Rise:**
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. **Shaping the Rolls:**
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10-12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round or oval roll. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.

6. **Second Rise:**
- Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.

7. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Place an empty baking tray or a cast iron pan on the bottom rack of the oven to preheat along with it.

8. **Prepare for Baking:**
- Just before baking, lightly dust the rolls with flour and, using a sharp knife or a razor blade, make a small slash on the top of each roll.

9. **Steam and Bake:**
- Place the rolls in the oven on the middle rack. Pour a cup of hot

[elsiekang]

R


Full recipe pleasssse. Thank you so much!😊