Poppy Seed Roll Recipe – A Classic Holiday Pastry Loved Around the World
Cradle of Nutrition
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If there is one dessert that truly represents festive baking across many cultures, it is the poppy seed roll. This elegant rolled pastry appears on holiday tables throughout Europe and beyond, known for its tender yeast dough and richly flavored filling.
This poppy seed roll recipe follows a traditional method that produces a soft, sliceable dough and a sweet, aromatic poppy seed filling. It is ideal for holidays, family gatherings, and make-ahead baking.
What Is a Poppy Seed Roll?
A poppy seed roll is a sweet yeast pastry filled with finely ground poppy seeds cooked with sugar syrup and flavored with citrus zest, honey, and dried fruit. The dough is rolled tightly, baked until golden, and sliced to reveal a beautiful spiral pattern.
In some regions, this pastry is also known as bejgli or makowiec, but the poppy seed roll remains a well-recognized and popular dessert worldwide.
Why Poppy Seed Rolls Are Popular During the Holidays
The poppy seed roll recipe has remained a holiday favorite because it:
- Can be prepared in advance
- Keeps well for several days
- Slices neatly for serving guests
- Symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune
Poppy seed pastries are traditionally served during winter holidays and special celebrations.
Ingredients
Dough
- 20 g fresh yeast
- ½ cup lukewarm milk
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 250 g butter
- 1 whole egg
- 3 egg yolks
Poppy Seed Filling
- 1 cup water
- 200 g sugar
- 400 g finely ground poppy seeds
- 50 g raisins
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Glazing
- 1 egg
How to Make Poppy Seed Roll
1. Prepare the Dough
Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk. In a large bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Rub in the cold butter until crumbly.
Add the egg, egg yolks, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Poppy Seed Filling
Bring the water and sugar to a boil to create a light syrup. Remove from heat and immediately stir in:
- Ground poppy seeds
- Raisins
- Vanilla sugar
- Apricot jam
- Honey
- Lemon zest
- Orange zest
Mix thoroughly and allow the filling to cool completely before using.
3. Shape and Rest
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle, spread the cooled filling evenly, and roll tightly.
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, prick with a fork, and brush with egg wash. Let rest for 90 minutes, then brush again.
4. Bake
Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
Variation: Walnut Roll
This poppy seed roll recipe can easily be adapted into a walnut roll:
- Replace poppy seeds with finely ground walnuts
- Use the same sugar syrup, citrus zest, and sweeteners
- Follow the same preparation steps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make poppy seed roll ahead of time?
Yes. This poppy seed roll recipe is ideal for make-ahead baking. The rolls keep well for 3–4 days when wrapped tightly and stored in a cool place.
Why does poppy seed roll crack during baking?
Cracking usually occurs when the filling is too hot, too wet, or the roll is overfilled. Always use fully cooled filling and prick the dough with a fork before baking.
Can I freeze poppy seed roll?
Yes. Once fully baked and cooled, wrap the roll tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I replace poppy seeds with walnuts?
Absolutely. This recipe works perfectly as a walnut roll by substituting poppy seeds with finely ground walnuts in the filling.
Is poppy seed roll served warm or cold?
Poppy seed roll is best served completely cooled, which allows the filling to set and the slices to hold their shape.
This poppy seed roll recipe is a timeless holiday classic that combines rich flavor, symbolic meaning, and practical preparation. With its aromatic citrus notes and soft yeast dough, it remains a beloved dessert for festive occasions across cultures.
Whether you prepare it with poppy seeds or walnuts, this roll deserves a place on any holiday table.
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Poppy Seed Roll Recipe – A Classic Holiday Pastry Loved Around the World
Ingredients
Dough
- 20 g fresh yeast
- ½ cup lukewarm milk
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 250 g butter
- 1 whole egg
- 3 egg yolks
Poppy Seed Filling
- 1 cup water
- 200 g sugar
- 400 g finely ground poppy seeds
- 50 g raisins
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Glazing
- 1 egg
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk. In a large bowl, mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Rub in the cold butter until crumbly.
- Add the egg, egg yolks, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Poppy Seed Filling
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil to create a light syrup. Remove from heat and immediately stir in: Ground poppy seeds, Raisins, Vanilla sugar, Apricot jam, Honey, Lemon zest, Orange zest
- Mix thoroughly and allow the filling to cool completely before using.
Shape and Rest
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle, spread the cooled filling evenly, and roll tightly.
- Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, prick with a fork, and brush with egg wash. Let rest for 90 minutes, then brush again.
Bake
- Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
