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Easy Bread Machine German Brötchen-Style Crusty Rolls Recipe!

Easy Bread Machine German Brötchen-Style Crusty Rolls Recipe!

By Mona - Far From The Farm
October 27, 2025
Simple German Brötchen-style rolls made with a bread machine for perfect crusty homemade bread every time!
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Approximate cost $3.00
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Dough Cycle & Rise Times 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: German
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 & ¼ cups warm water - not too hot or it will kill the yeast
  • 2 tsp bread machine yeast
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 & ½ tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Bread machine with dough cycle
  • Measuring jug
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • knife
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

  1. Remove your bread machine insert and pour in the warm water, honey, and yeast. Stir gently, then cover with plastic wrap.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly on top. If it hasn’t foamed, your yeast may be inactive and you’ll need to start again.
  3. Sprinkle the bread flour evenly over the yeast mixture. Do not stir as the layering helps the dough form properly once the machine begins mixing.
  4. Use your finger or the back of a spoon to make a small well in the top of the flour.
    Add your salt into that well and gently cover it with a bit of the surrounding flour.
    This prevents the salt from touching the yeast too early.
  5. Pour your olive oil over the top of the flour layer.
  6. Place the insert back into your bread machine, close the lid, and select the dough cycle. Mine takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
    This is the perfect time to tidy up or get started on another meal, bread machines really do make life simpler!
  7. When the cycle is done, remove the dough and place it on a lightly floured surface.
    Divide it into 8 to 10 equal pieces and gently shape them into rounds or ovals.
    Sprinkle lightly with flour so they won’t stick when rising.
  8. Arrange your rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for about 1 hour in a warm spot.
  9. Place an empty metal baking pan on the lowest oven rack and preheat to 475°F.
  10. Remove the plastic wrap and, using a sharp knife, slice a single line across the top of each roll about ¼ to ½ inch deep.
    This gives that classic Brötchen look once baked.
  11. Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F.
    Place your rolls on the middle rack, then pour about 2 cups of hot water into the empty pan on the bottom shelf.
    The steam helps create that crisp bakery-style crust.
  12. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and crusty. Transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
    Perfect with butter, soups, or deli-style toppings.

Notes

 
  • You can brush the tops lightly with water before baking for an extra-crisp crust.
  • For added flavour, sprinkle with coarse sea salt or sesame seeds before baking.
  • These rolls pair perfectly with soup, stew, or even a simple cheese platter.
 

Storage

  • Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
 
 

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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