Ingredients

For the Yeast Dough:

• 300 ml warm milk
• 50 g sugar
• 6 g dry yeast (about 1 ½ tsp)
• 50 g honey
• 50 ml vegetable oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 550 g all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 200 g poppy seeds
• 350 ml milk
• 150 g sugar
• 50 g unsalted butter

For Brushing the Dough:

• 30 g unsalted butter (melted)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp milk

For Decoration:

• Milk and white chocolate (melted for drizzling)

Steps to Make the Poppy Seed Roll

1. Prepare the Yeast Dough:
   • In a large bowl, combine the warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot or it will kill the yeast), 50 g of sugar, and the dry yeast. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
   • Once the yeast mixture is ready, add the honey, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir to combine.
   • Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Once the dough starts to come together, knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency.
   • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling:
   • While the dough is rising, make the poppy seed filling. Place the poppy seeds in a saucepan and add the milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk is mostly absorbed and the poppy seeds soften (this takes about 10-15 minutes).
   • Add the sugar and butter to the poppy seed mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Poppy Seed Roll:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangular shape (about 1 cm thick).
   • Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough with the melted butter (30 g) to add extra richness and moisture.
   • Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one of the longer sides, to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal the roll and tuck in the ends.
   • Place the roll on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam side down.
4. Egg Wash and Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in the upper-lower heating mode (no convection).
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the egg wash generously over the top and sides of the poppy seed roll.
   • Bake the roll in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
5. Decorating the Roll:
   • Once the roll has finished baking, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
   • Melt the milk and white chocolate separately in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle both chocolates over the top of the cooled roll for a decorative and delicious finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice the roll into thick pieces and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute dry yeast with fresh yeast. Use about 18 g of fresh yeast for this recipe. Dissolve it in the warm milk along with the sugar as you would with dry yeast.
2. What can I use if I don’t have poppy seeds? If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can use other fillings like ground walnuts, cinnamon sugar, or even a fruit jam filling. Adjust the sugar and butter amounts accordingly based on the filling you choose.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in both the dough and filling. However, butter provides a richer flavor and a better texture, so it’s recommended if available.
4. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking? Be sure to roll the dough tightly and pinch the seams well to seal the roll. Additionally, avoid overfilling the dough with the poppy seed mixture, as excess filling can cause leakage.

Tips for Making the Best Poppy Seed Roll

1. Don’t Rush the Rising Process: Give the dough enough time to rise properly. Yeast needs warmth and time to work its magic, ensuring a soft and fluffy roll.
2. Cool the Filling: Ensure that the poppy seed filling has cooled to room temperature before spreading it on the dough. A hot filling can make the dough too soft and difficult to roll.
3. Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best results in decorating, use high-quality milk and white chocolate for the drizzle. It not only looks pretty but also adds a sweet, creamy finish to the roll.
4. Slice Gently: When slicing the roll, use a serrated knife and saw gently through the roll to avoid crushing the delicate layers.

Storage Tips

• In the Refrigerator: The poppy seed roll can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
• In the Freezer: If you want to store the roll for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to refresh its texture.

Conclusion

The Poppy Seed Roll with Honey and Chocolate Drizzle is a delicious and elegant pastry that’s perfect for special occasions or simply enjoying with your family. The combination of a soft, lightly sweetened yeast dough filled with a rich poppy seed mixture makes it a classic treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is straightforward to follow and yields impressive results. With a chocolatey finish, this poppy seed roll is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy each slice with a hot drink, and savor the warm, inviting flavors of this classic dessert.