Discover the joy of baking with this delightful Franz Brötchen recipe, featuring a soft, fluffy dough wrapped around a heartwarming cinnamon sugar filling. A cherished treat that finds its roots in German cuisine, Franz Brötchen is perfect for cinnamon lovers and pastry aficionados alike. The recipe guides you through creating these sweet, aromatic swirls, promising a perfect treat for any time of day.
Why You’ll Love This: The Franz Brötchen is a marvel of baking that combines the simplicity of ingredients with the complexity of flavors. The delicate balance between the sweet, spicy cinnamon and the tender, buttery pastry makes for an irresistible combination. Each bite offers a burst of comforting cinnamon flavor, encased in a soft, pillowy dough that melts in your mouth. It’s an ideal recipe for those who cherish the warmth and spice of cinnamon in a perfectly portioned pastry.
Perfect Occasion: These cinnamon delights are versatile enough to suit any occasion. Serve them warm for a cozy breakfast, pack them for a delightful picnic treat, or present them as an elegant dessert at your next dinner party. They’re also perfect for holiday mornings, adding a festive flair to your breakfast table. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet, comforting treat, Franz Brötchen will not disappoint.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled Franz Brötchen with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. The contrast of the white icing or sugar against the golden-brown crust makes for a visually stunning presentation. Serving them on a rustic wooden board or a vintage platter can enhance their homemade charm, inviting everyone to dig in.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of flour (Type 550 recommended)
- 125 ml of lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon of dry yeast
- 30 grams of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 25 grams of unsalted butter, softened
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Create a small depression in the center of the flour. Mix in the dry yeast, a teaspoon of sugar, and a bit of the lukewarm milk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the remaining milk, sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt to the frothy yeast mixture. Combine thoroughly.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- For the filling, blend the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the surface.
- Tightly roll up the dough from the long edge, then slice into equal portions.
- Press a dowel or the back of a knife down the center of each piece to create the signature Franz Brötchen shape.
- Arrange the pieces on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let them rise again for 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Optionally, brush each piece with a bit of cream or milk for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of these homemade Franz Brötchen, a delightful treat that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to your table.
