Description
A detailed guide to making fluffy and tender German buns. The recipe includes options for adding flavors and making dietary swaps.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons Active dry yeast
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk (Warm)
- ½ cup Butter (Melted)
- 1 Egg (Large)
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (For cinnamon rolls)
- 1 cup Chocolate chips (For chocolate breakfast rolls)
- ½ cup Dried fruits (For a fruity variation)
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. Use fresh yeast for better lift and flavor. Check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
- Activate yeast: If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes, until it is frothy.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk (from step 2), 2 eggs, and the melted butter.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Shape the rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch the dough down to release the air. Divide it into equal portions (about 12-16) and shape each piece into a ball.
- Second rise: Place the shaped rolls into a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close to each other but not touching. Cover them and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) during the second rise.
- Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Notes
Fresh yeast is recommended for better lift and flavor. Allow the dough enough time to rise for fluffy buns. Avoid cutting the rolls too early, as this can make them gummy inside. Let them cool for a bit to achieve the best texture.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: German
Keywords: Baking, bread, buns