Brotchenrad German Wheel Of Rolls Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings the magic of fresh, homemade bread right into my kitchen, filling it with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked rolls. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of biting into these soft, warm rolls with a hint of crunch from the sesame or poppy seeds on top — they’re my ultimate comfort food!

I enjoy preparing Brotchenrad, a charming German Wheel of Rolls. Its soft, fluffy texture is the result of using 500g of bread flour and a packet of instant yeast.

The 300ml of lukewarm water, with a touch of sugar, really gets the yeast bubbling while salt and olive oil add deep, rich flavor. I prefer to crown it with sesame or poppy seeds; both add a nice, nutty finish.

Ingredients

Bread Flour:
Bread’s texture requires high protein; it is essential for structure.

Instant Yeast:
Agent leavening; causes the dough to rise.

Olive Oil:
Imparts moisture and richness; yields a tender crumb.

Sugar:
Yeast is activated, and a subtle sweetness is introduced.

Salt:
Improves taste; regulates yeast proliferation.

Egg:
Delivers a lustrous sheen; contributes to depth of flavor and richness.

Seeds (optional):
Increases depth and delicious, nutty flavor; optional decorative topping.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 500g bread flour
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• 300ml lukewarm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and/or caraway seeds for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a sizable bowl, mix together the bread flour, salt, and sugar. Ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.

2. Stir the instant yeast into lukewarm water, and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. The yeast mixture and olive oil are poured into the dry ingredients. They are mixed until they form a rough dough.

4. You need to turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

5. Put the dough in a bowl that has been lightly oiled; cover the dough with a cloth that has been dampened. Set the bowl in a warm location and let the dough rise for approximately 1 to
1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.

7. Place the dough balls in a circular arrangement on a baking tray that has been lined with parchment paper. Allow space between each ball so that they can expand during baking.

8. Let the dough rest for another 30 minutes covered with a cloth, and it will be ready for the next step.

9. Set the oven to 200°C (390°F) to preheat. If you want to use seeds, brush the rolls with beaten egg and then sprinkle with seeds of your choice.

10. Preheat the oven, and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let them cool for a short time before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Measuring jug or cup
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Clean kitchen surface or large cutting board
6. Rolling pin (optional, for flattening dough balls)
7. Damp cloth
8. Baking tray
9. Parchment paper
10. Pastry brush (for egg wash)
11. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves
12. Cooling rack

FAQ

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?Certainly! You can use active dry yeast instead, but you must first dissolve it in lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar to activate it. Then, add the rehydrated yeast to the flour mixture.
• What can I use instead of bread flour?You can use all-purpose flour in place of bread flour, but the rolls may have a slightly less chewy texture if you do.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking the next day.
• What is the purpose of the egg wash?A beautiful golden color and sheen are added to the tops of the rolls with an egg wash, and it helps the seeds stick.
• Can I add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor?Of course! Including herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or spices like garlic powder, can amp up the flavor of the rolls.
• Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?The egg wash can be replaced with a wash of plant-based milk, and a similar coating effect can be achieved by using vegan butter or olive oil instead of egg.

Substitutions and Variations

500 g of bread flour—Substitute with all-purpose flour if necessary, though texture may slightly vary.
2 teaspoons of salt – If you prefer, use sea salt or kosher salt. Adjust the quantity to your preference.
One packet (7g) instant yeast can be replaced with 21g fresh yeast or 7g active dry yeast, activated in warm water.
1 tbsp olive oil – If you want another flavor, try using melted butter or a different oil, like vegetable oil.
1 tbsp sugar – Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners.

Pro Tips

1. Temperature Control Use a thermometer to ensure the water is at the right temperature (around 37-40°C or 98-104°F) when activating the yeast. This ensures optimal yeast activity without killing the yeast.

2. Kneading Technique If you have access to a stand mixer with a dough hook, it can save effort and time in kneading. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Even Portioning Use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough pieces for more consistent sizing of the rolls. This helps them bake evenly.

4. Second Rise Check To test if the rolls are proofed enough after the second rise, gently press a finger into a roll. If the indentation springs back slowly but remains visible, they are ready to bake.

5. Steam Baking Add a small dish of water to the bottom of the oven when baking to create steam. This can result in a better rise and a chewier texture with a crisp crust.