Poppy Seed Rolls

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup water (warm)

For the Poppy Seed Filling:

• 1 cup poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix together and gradually add warm water as needed until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

1. Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling:

• While the dough is rising, grind the poppy seeds in a coffee grinder or food processor until fine.
• In a small saucepan, combine the ground poppy seeds, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, honey, and butter.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and the liquid is absorbed (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

1. Assemble the Rolls:

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches).
• Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
• Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

1. Final Rise:

• Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

1. Bake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If you’d like a golden finish, whisk together the egg yolk and water, and brush the tops of the rolls with this glaze.
• Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

1. Serve:

• Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These poppy seed rolls are delicious on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.

Enjoy the soft, pillowy texture of the dough with the nutty, sweet poppy seed filling!