Tebirkes - Danish Poppy Seed Pastry

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 cup (120g) ground poppy seeds 1 cup (120g) ground poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (30g) pearl sugar, for topping 1/4 cup (30g) pearl sugar, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the ground poppy seeds, sugar, melted butter, and milk to form a paste.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Spread the poppy seed paste evenly over the dough.
6. 6.
   Fold the dough in thirds, like a letter, to create layers. Roll out the dough again into a rectangle and repeat the folding process.
7. 7.
   Cut the dough into squares or rectangles and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the top of each pastry with pearl sugar.
8. 8.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown and flaky.
9. 9.
   Allow the Tebirkes to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Poppy seeds — Make sure to use ground poppy seeds for the filling. If you can't find ground poppy seeds, you can grind them yourself using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra flavor boost, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the poppy seed filling.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the Tebirkes after they have cooled.
• Serve Tebirkes warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you don't have pearl sugar, you can substitute it with coarse sugar or crushed sugar cubes.
• To save time, you can prepare the dough and poppy seed filling in advance and assemble the pastries just before baking.

Serving advice

Serve Tebirkes as a delicious breakfast pastry or enjoy them as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They are best served warm.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tebirkes on a serving platter, allowing their golden crust and flaky layers to be visible. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of elegance.