How to Make the Perfect Traditional Polish Poppy Seed Roll Makowiec
Polish · Hard · 130 min · 12 servings
Makowiec is a stunning Polish celebration bread featuring a rich sweet yeast dough swirled with a fragrant filling of ground poppy seeds, honey, and walnuts that is a must-have on every Polish Christmas and Easter table. Each slice reveals a beautiful dark spiral pattern that is as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Why this recipe works
This Traditional Polish Poppy Seed Roll Makowiec recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 130 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 7 grams instant dry yeast
- 2 cups ground poppy seeds
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
- 0.5 cup warm milk
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make and Prove the Dough
Combine flour, yeast, a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of sugar, one egg, softened butter, and warm milk in a large bowl and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and place in a warm spot to rise for 60 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling
Combine the ground poppy seeds with honey, chopped walnuts, and a pinch of cinnamon in a saucepan over low heat and stir for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and holds together. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before spreading.
Step 3: Roll Fill and Shape
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 30 by 40 centimeters. Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the surface leaving a 2cm border then tightly roll up from the long side and pinch the seam closed.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Place the roll seam-side down on a lined baking tray and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes covered with a cloth. Brush with beaten egg and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 35 to 40 minutes until deep golden brown then cool before slicing.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- walnuts → raisins soaked in rum for a more traditional variation with a touch of sweetness and depth
- honey → maple syrup for a slightly different but equally delicious sweetener in the filling
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not allowing enough time for the dough to fully rise which results in a dense and heavy texture
- Spreading the filling too thickly or right to the edge which causes it to leak out during baking and burn
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 7g protein, 38g carbs, 12g fat, 3g fiber.
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