Poppy Seed and Cinnamon Roll
Source/Author: George
Soft, golden dough meets a fragrant swirl of cinnamon and poppy seeds in this comforting bake. With a tender crumb and gently spiced filling, each roll is crafted to rise beautifully and deliver a cozy, homemade flavor. Whether you're baking for a quiet morning or sharing with loved ones, this recipe brings a touch of tradition and warmth to your table.
Ingredients:
| • sugar | 1/2 cup |
| • butter | 75 g |
| • vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| • milk | 250 ml |
| • egg | 1 |
| • dry yeast | 1 tablespoon |
| • poppy seeds | 1/4 cup |
| • cinnamon | 2 tablespoons |
| • sugar for filling | 2 tablespoons |
| • milk for filling | 1/4 cup |
| • egg yolk (for brushing) | 1 |
1. In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Add sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour. Cover and let sit until bubbles appear (about 20 minutes).
2. Add the egg, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add flour, kneading until the dough is soft but not stiff. You may need less flour than expected.
4. Melt the butter and knead it into the dough until fully absorbed. Cover and let rise for 40 minutes.
5. Bring 1/4 cup of milk to a boil. Pour it over the poppy seeds, stir, cover, and let them swell.
6. Second rise: Punch down the dough, cover again, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Drain any excess milk from the poppy seeds. Add cinnamon and sugar, stir well, and set aside.
8. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each piece into a strip about 20–25 cm long and 8–10 cm wide.
9. Spread the poppy seed mixture evenly over each strip. Roll each strip tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Place 3 rolls next to each other. Bring the edges of the rolls together and pinch. Braid the rolls. Pinch the edges. Fold the edges down.
10. Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let rise for 20–30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C). Brush the tops with beaten egg yolk. Bake for 15 minutes at 395°F, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and fragrant.
12. Let the rolls cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
* Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of cold butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.