Sweet Poppy Seed Rolls are a classic and comforting treat, often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a delightful homemade dessert. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a rich, sweet poppy seed filling and baked to golden perfection. The combination of tender dough, lightly sweetened with vanilla and sugar, and the aromatic poppy seed filling makes for a wonderful pairing. These rolls are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet snack. Follow the steps below to make these delicious rolls, and you’ll have a batch ready to share with family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• Milk – 125 ml
• Dry yeast – 1 tsp (5 g)
• Sugar – 40 g
• Vanilla sugar – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1/2 tsp
• Egg – 1 pc
• Butter (softened) – 50 g
• Flour – 320-350 g

For the Poppy Seed Filling:

• Poppy seeds – 100 g
• Sugar – 100 g
• Egg – 1 pc

For Brushing:

• Egg yolk – 1 pc
• Milk – 1 tbsp

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until it is warm but not too hot (about 37-40°C / 98-104°F). Remove from the heat and stir in the dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast begins to foam and activate.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and the egg. Add the softened butter and continue mixing until smooth.
   • Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the egg and sugar mixture, stirring to combine.
   • Slowly add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it becomes elastic and smooth.
   • Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling:
   • While the dough is rising, prepare the poppy seed filling. In a small saucepan, boil the poppy seeds in water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain and let the poppy seeds cool slightly.
   • Once cooled, grind the poppy seeds using a food processor or coffee grinder until they become a coarse, grainy paste.
   • In a small bowl, mix the ground poppy seeds with sugar and 1 beaten egg until the mixture forms a thick, sweet filling. Set aside.
3. Shape the Rolls:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log, similar to making cinnamon rolls. Pinch the seam closed to seal the roll.
4. Cut and Arrange the Rolls:
   • Slice the log into 8-10 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
   • Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Egg Wash:
   • While the rolls are rising, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk to create the egg wash.
6. Bake the Rolls:
   • Once the rolls have risen, brush the tops with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
   • Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma of the sweet rolls should fill your kitchen as they bake.
   • Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 270 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 2mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute dry yeast with fresh yeast. For this recipe, use 15 g of fresh yeast. Dissolve it in warm milk as you would with dry yeast and follow the rest of the instructions.
2. Can I add other flavors to the filling? Absolutely! You can add lemon zest, cinnamon, or vanilla extract to the poppy seed filling for extra flavor. These additions complement the sweet filling beautifully.
3. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature before shaping the rolls.
4. Can I freeze these rolls? Yes, these rolls can be frozen either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, arrange the shaped rolls on a baking tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise before baking as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the rolls to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tips for Making the Best Sweet Poppy Seed Rolls:

1. Let the Dough Rise Fully:
   • Be patient with the rising process, as this is what ensures soft and fluffy rolls. If the dough hasn’t doubled in size during the first rise, give it more time in a warm environment.
2. Grind the Poppy Seeds:
   • Grinding the poppy seeds is essential for the filling to achieve the right texture. You can use a coffee grinder or food processor to do this. The texture should be coarse but smooth enough to spread easily.
3. Don’t Skip the Egg Wash:
   • The egg wash is what gives the rolls their shiny, golden brown top. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final appearance of your rolls.
4. Cool Before Cutting:
   • Let the rolls cool slightly before cutting into them to prevent them from falling apart and to allow the filling to set.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the rolls, where they will keep for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing:
  You can freeze the baked rolls by placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them individually in plastic wrap. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let the rolls thaw at room temperature, then warm them in the oven before serving.

Conclusion:

Sweet Poppy Seed Rolls are a timeless treat that brings comfort and warmth to any table. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a delightful weekend project, these rolls are sure to impress. The soft, pillowy dough combined with the fragrant, sweet poppy seed filling creates a dessert or snack that’s hard to resist. Serve them warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, and watch them disappear quickly. Enjoy baking, and share the joy of these delicious rolls with family and friends!