Here’s a simple recipe for making delicious Kaiser rolls! These rolls have a crisp, golden crust and soft, fluffy interior – perfect for sandwiches or burgers.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup milk (for the dough)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
- Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, milk, and the egg. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
- Add softened butter and continue mixing until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 5-6 minutes.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the rolls:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Shape the rolls by creating a slight indent in the center of each roll and gently pulling the edges toward the middle. If you want the traditional Kaiser roll pattern, you can use a Kaiser roll stamp or form the rolls by gently pinching the edges to create a swirl design.
- Second rise:
- Place the shaped rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Prepare for baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Beat the second egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. If you tap the bottom of the roll, it should sound hollow.
- Cool:
- Allow the rolls to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your fresh, homemade Kaiser rolls!