Pumpernickel Rolls Recipe
Learn how to make authentic homemade pumpernickel rolls with this easy baking recipe. The perfect balance of rye, wheat flour, molasses and caraway creates the best dark, dense rolls with that distinctive earthy flavor. These German-inspired rolls use a slow fermentation technique for maximum taste.
Ingredients
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g medium rye flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g bread flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g whole wheat flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp caraway seeds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">12g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g instant yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g molasses (or black treacle)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g dark brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml espresso or 1 tbsp instant coffee dissolved in 15ml hot water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">350-375ml warm water (around 38°C)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp vegetable oil for bowl</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Extra flour for dusting</li></ul>
Equipment
<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking stone or heavy baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Spray bottle for water</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dough scraper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Proofing basket or linen-lined bowl</li></ul>
Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the rye flour, bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, caraway seeds, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk well to distribute the ingredients evenly - this is crucial as rye flour can form lumps that are difficult to incorporate later.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a separate bowl, mix together the molasses, brown sugar, espresso, softened butter, and 350ml of warm water. Stir until the sugar and molasses dissolve completely. The molasses provides both color and that distinctive mild sweetness essential to authentic pumpernickel.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>With the mixer on low speed using the dough hook, slowly add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix for about 2 minutes until all flour is incorporated. The dough will be quite sticky - this is normal for rye doughs, which don't develop gluten the same way as wheat-based doughs. If it seems excessively dry, add the remaining water a tablespoon at a time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes more cohesive. It won't become smooth and elastic like white bread dough - pumpernickel dough remains somewhat tacky and dense. The rye contains pentosans rather than gluten, creating that characteristically dense texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Lightly oil a large bowl with vegetable oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning to coat with oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1.5-2 hours, or until nearly doubled in size. Rye doughs rise more slowly than wheat doughs, so be patient.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently deflate it by pressing down with your palms. Using a dough scraper or knife, divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, about 75-80g each. For perfectly even rolls, you can weigh each piece.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Shape each piece into a tight ball by pulling the edges into the center and pinching them together, then rolling between your palms on an unfloured surface to create tension. Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 5cm between each roll to allow for expansion.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Cover the shaped rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them proof for another 1-1.5 hours, until they've increased in size by about 50%. They won't double completely due to the rye content, which is what gives pumpernickel its dense character.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>While the rolls are proofing, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If using a baking stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Place an empty metal baking pan on the bottom rack of the oven (you'll add water to this to create steam).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Just before baking, dust the tops of the rolls lightly with flour and score the top of each roll with a sharp knife or razor blade - a simple X or slash works well. This allows for controlled expansion during baking and creates that artisan look.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Place the rolls in the oven and quickly pour about 240ml of hot water into the empty baking pan to create steam. Immediately close the oven door to trap the steam, which will help create a shiny, crisp crust. Alternatively, mist the oven walls with a spray bottle filled with water.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Bake for 20-25 minutes until the rolls are deeply browned and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Don't be alarmed by the dark color - pumpernickel is supposed to be a deep brown! The internal temperature should reach about 93°C (200°F) when fully baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 13</h4>Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb structure to set and the flavors to develop. Resist the temptation to cut into them too soon - patience will be rewarded with perfect texture!</li></ol>
FAQs
Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.
What ingredients are used in Pumpernickel Rolls Recipe?
Pumpernickel rolls require medium rye flour, bread flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, caraway seeds, salt, yeast, butter, molasses, brown sugar, espresso or instant coffee, and warm water. These ingredients create the characteristic dark colour and complex flavour profile.
How to cook Pumpernickel Rolls Recipe at home?
Learn how to cook Pumpernickel Rolls Recipe by combining flours with cocoa and caraway, then adding molasses, coffee and warm water to form a sticky dough. After two rise periods, shape into rolls, score, and bake in a steamy oven at 220°C for 20-25 minutes until deeply browned with a hollow sound when tapped.
Why are my rye bread rolls so dense and heavy?
Rye bread is naturally denser than wheat bread because rye contains pentosans rather than gluten. For lighter rolls, ensure proper proofing time, avoid adding too much flour during shaping, and incorporate bread flour as the recipe suggests to provide some gluten structure.
What makes traditional pumpernickel bread so dark in colour?
The distinctive dark colour comes from a combination of ingredients: molasses (or black treacle), cocoa powder, strong coffee, and dark brown sugar. In authentic German pumpernickel, the colour also develops from very long, slow baking at low temperatures which caramelises the starches.
Can I substitute ingredients in traditional German bread recipes?
While authentic flavour comes from using the specified ingredients, you can substitute molasses with honey (though colour will be lighter), instant coffee for espresso, and if caraway seeds aren't to your taste, try fennel or anise seeds instead. Rye flour is essential and cannot be substituted.
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