Roll recipe for poppies from seeds

 

🌼 Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec): A Classic Sweet Roll from Scratch

Few baked goods carry the history, elegance, and flavor of the classic Poppy Seed Roll. With its tender, slightly sweet yeast dough wrapped around a rich, nutty poppy seed filling, this traditional roll is a beloved treat in many Central and Eastern European homes — especially around the holidays.

Whether you call it Makowiec (Poland), Beigli (Hungary), or simply a Poppy Seed Roll, this beautiful swirled bread is a labor of love — and the payoff is completely worth it.

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🌟 Why You'll Love This Roll

• Perfectly tender yeast dough with just a hint of sweetness

• Rich, homemade poppy seed filling made from scratch

• Beautiful swirled presentation that's ideal for holidays or special occasions

• Make-ahead friendly and freezer-friendly

• A nostalgic favorite with deep cultural roots

This isn’t just a pastry — it’s a connection to tradition, family, and the simple joys of home baking.

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🌾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ½ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but traditional)

For the Poppy Seed Filling (from seeds):

• 1 cup poppy seeds

• ½ cup milk

• ¼ cup honey or sugar

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped raisins or nuts

For Finishing:

• 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

• Optional: powdered sugar glaze or simple icing for drizzling

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Poppy Seed Roll

1. Prepare the Poppy Seeds

Start by grinding the poppy seeds. You can use a spice grinder, coffee grinder, or traditional poppy seed grinder for best texture. Soak the ground seeds in warm milk for 15–20 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine the soaked poppy seeds with sugar or honey, butter, and vanilla. Simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Cool completely before using.

Optional: Stir in raisins, chopped walnuts, or a dash of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.

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2. Make the Dough

In a small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with warm milk and a teaspoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add in the yeast mixture and knead until a soft, elastic dough forms (about 7–10 minutes). Add a little flour if sticky.

Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

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3. Assemble the Roll

Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle (about ¼-inch thick).

Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Carefully roll it up, jelly-roll style, from the long side. Pinch the seams to seal and tuck in the ends.

Transfer the roll, seam-side down, to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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4. Final Rise & Bake

Cover the roll with a clean towel and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the roll with egg wash. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Let cool completely before slicing.

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5. Optional Glaze

Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice. Drizzle over the cooled roll for a sweet finishing touch.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Make ahead: The poppy seed filling can be made 2–3 days in advance and kept in the fridge.

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🍽️ How to Serve

• Serve as a festive breakfast or dessert

• Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee

• Slice and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation

• Great addition to Easter, Christmas, or any traditional holiday table

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💬 Final Thoughts

This Poppy Seed Roll is more than a recipe — it’s a sweet tradition that’s stood the test of time. From the soft, homemade dough to the earthy, aromatic poppy seed filling, every bite tells a story of heritage, celebration, and the simple joy of baking from scratch.

Whether you're carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, this roll is sure to become a treasured part of your recipe collection.