Makowiec - Polish Poppy Seed Roll

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (300g) poppy seeds, ground 2 cups (300g) poppy seeds, ground
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120g) honey 1/2 cup (120g) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the glaze: For the glaze:
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 24g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the ground poppy seeds, milk, honey, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes together, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Place the roll on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
8. 8.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the roll is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
9. 9.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled roll.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve the Makowiec at room temperature. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — Make sure to grind the poppy seeds just before using to preserve their freshness and flavor.
• Yeast — Ensure that the milk is warmed to the correct temperature (around 110°F/43°C) to activate the yeast properly.
• Sour cream — Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and flavor in the dough.
• Honey — Opt for a high-quality honey to enhance the sweetness and aroma of the filling.
• Cinnamon — Freshly ground cinnamon will provide the most vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the dough rise faster, place it in a warm oven (turned off) with a bowl of hot water.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a bit more sugar or honey to the poppy seed mixture.
• For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, over the poppy seed filling before rolling the dough.
• Make sure to let the Makowiec cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Makowiec as a delightful dessert or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It can be served on its own or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the Makowiec into neat rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. Dust the roll with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added visual appeal.