How to Make Old World Poppy Seed Roll - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. And when that bread happens to be a sweet poppy seed roll, it's even more enchanting. This Old World recipe has been passed down through generations, and it's easy to see why. With its tender, pillowy dough and a savory-sweet poppy seed filling, this dessert is a true delight for the senses.

The origins of the poppy seed roll can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where it was a popular treat for ...

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Ingredients

  • ½ pound poppy seeds
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup hot milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup warm water (100 degrees F/38 degrees C)
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, or more if needed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 large egg, separated - white reserved

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 2 loaves

  • Make the filling: Place poppy seeds into a food processor; process until seeds are ground, about 1 minute.
  • Mix poppy seeds, 3/4 cup sugar, hot milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and lemon juice together in a bowl until combined; cover and refrigerate while making bread. The filling will set up and thicken as it chills.
  • Make the bread: Pour warm water into a small bowl; add sugar and sprinkle yeast on top. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk flour and salt together in a bowl. Cut in butter with 2 knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add yeast mixture and egg yolk; stir to make a soft dough.
  • Turn dough out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and slightly springy, about 5 minutes. If dough is too sticky, knead in more flour, about 2 tablespoons at a time. Cut dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a 12x16-inch rectangle.
  • Spread half of the poppy seed filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the 1-inch border back over the filling on all sides and press down. Pick up the shorter side of a dough rectangle and roll it like a jelly roll; repeat with second rectangle. Pinch ends together or tuck ends under to prevent filling from leaking out.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; place filled loaves seam-side down on the baking sheet and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Beat egg white in a bowl until frothy; brush loaves with beaten egg white.
  • Bake in preheated oven until dark golden brown on top, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove loaves from the oven and cover with a clean kitchen towel until cool to keep crust soft. Cool completely before slicing.
  • Nutrition

    216 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 22mg
    • Sodium: 110mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 27g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 13g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 220mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 142mg