Slovak Sweet Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)
A delightful sweet bread roll filled with a rich and fragrant poppy seed mixture. This is a popular treat for holidays and special occasions in Slovakia.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 250 ml Milk(lukewarm)
- 100 g Granulated sugar(for dough)
- 2 large Eggs(separated)
- 100 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 250 g Poppy seeds(ground)
- 150 ml Milk(for filling)
- 150 g Granulated sugar(for filling)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- 50 g Raisins(optional)
- 1 for brushing Egg yolk
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine lukewarm milk, 1 tsp of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined. - 3
Pour the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and softened butter into the well. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
⏱️ 1 hour - 5
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Combine ground poppy seeds, milk, sugar, honey, and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
💡 Tip: Do not boil vigorously. Stir in raisins if using. - 6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (about 30x40 cm).
💡 Tip: Aim for an even thickness. - 7
Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
💡 Tip: Ensure the filling is not too hot when spreading. - 8
Carefully roll up the dough from the long side to form a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
💡 Tip: Roll tightly to prevent the filling from escaping. - 9
Place the roll seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 10
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top of the roll with the beaten egg yolk.
💡 Tip: This gives a nice golden sheen. - 11
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool completely before slicing.
⏱️ 40 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a finer poppy seed texture, grind them just before use.
- ✓If the dough becomes too sticky during kneading, add a little more flour, but avoid making it too stiff.
- ✓The roll can be glazed with a simple sugar glaze after cooling for extra sweetness.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the poppy seed filling.
- A touch of rum or rum extract can be added to the filling for an extra flavor dimension.
- For a richer dough, use half milk and half cream.