Challah Bread Rolls
These bread rolls are as much a pleasure to look as they are to eat. Challah bread rolls should be in everyone repertoire.
Challah bread rolls are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings, to Jewish holidays, to late night snacks…this bread fits all. It has a perfect texture and will light up any table.
What Is Challah Bread?
Challah bread is a loaf of braided bread. The simple dough is made with water, eggs, flour, salt, and yeast. The bread is pale yellow in color, because of the used eggs, and it has a rich flavor too.
Challah bread can be also made with raisins, honey, or sesame seeds. The name challah refers to the mitzvah (a blessing or a good dead) of separating a portion of the dough before you start braiding it as a contribution to the Kohen (priest).
This recipe here is not a classic challah bread loaf, but separate challah bread rolls. I find these very handy to serve, as anyone can enjoy their own challah roll.
Is Challah Bread Similar To Brioche?
Challah bread is quite similar to brioche. The resemblance is in the texture. Brioche bread is made with butter, but challah, being a kosher bread, does not have any dairy.
Instead of butter, vegetable oil is used. Although challah bread and brioche have different ingredients, the flavor and texture are similar.
How To Make The Challah Bread?
At its root, challah bread is very simple bread to make. The dough is enriched with eggs and oil, and a few tablespoons of sugar give it just a hint of sweetness.
It does not require any fussy techniques, and if you are worried that braiding is difficult, it is not. You will have pictures of every step that will ease your process in the recipe.
As with any bread, you will start by mixing dry and liquid ingredients. Once you have dough that has almost come together, it is time to transfer it on a dusted kitchen counter and knead until you have a smooth ball of dough.Â
Cover the dough and let it stand in warm spot for at least two hours or until it has doubled in size. Once the dough has risen, punch down the air and divide the dough into equal portions.
Shape the dough balls into logs and roll each one out until it is 10 inches long. Wrap the log around your finger (as in photo), place one end under, and the other through the hole over top. Bring the two ends together and pinch them so they stick.
Let the rolls stand for 10 minutes before brushing with egg, sprinkling with sesame seeds, and baking.
Serve the challah warm or at room temperature.Â
Challah Bread Varieties
Challah bread is a type of white bread. I know some of you are looking for different alternatives for white flour.
Challah bread can be made with whole wheat flour too. Additionally, instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey and give your challah a bit of a different flavor.Â
Sprinkle your challah with any types of seed: white or black sesame seeds, chia seeds, or poppy seeds.Â
Tips For Making Challah Bread Rolls
I have seen split challah rolls. I thought it was not possible, but my baker friend explained to me that the challah bread may split because it was not allowed to rise enough.
Also, it may happen because the dough was not kneaded well. You should knead the dough for 10 minute.
Also, make sure to bake your challah on time; once you braid it, give it a second proof. Once the bread rolls have doubled in size, they are ready for baking.
Also for some, challah bread comes out too dense. This happens if your challah did not rise enough. The dough is missing air bubbles that will make it light and airy.
Challah Bread Rolls Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes ++ inactive time
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Yield: 10 rolls
Ingredients
- 4 ¼ cups flour
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together water, eggs, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Fold in flour and stir until the dough just comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured kitchen surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a cloth and allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. After 1 hour, punch down the dough and divide into 10 equal balls.
6. Shape each ball into a small log. Elongate each log to 10-inches, rolling by your hands.
7. Shape the challah rolls by placing the dough around the finger, then bring one end over and one under and pinch them together.
8. Arrange the challah bread rolls on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another hour.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the challah rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
10. Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
11. Serve as desired and enjoy!
Challah Bread Rolls
Looking to impress your guests before dinner arrives? Whipping out a batch of these cloud-like rolls is sure to please!
Ingredients
- 4 ¼ cups flour
- 1 cup warm water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together water, eggs, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- Fold in flour and stir until the dough just comes together.
- Knead the dough on a floured kitchen surface for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough into a clean bowl, cover with a cloth and allow to rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- After 1 hour, divide the dough into 10 equal balls. Shape each ball into a small log. Elongate each log to 10-inches, rolling by your hands.
- Shape the challah rolls by placing the dough around the finger, then bring one end over and one under and pinch them together.
- Arrange the challah bread rolls on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper and let the rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the challah rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Serve as desired.
