Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)

Why Make This Recipe

Polish Poppy Seed Roll, known as Makowiec, is a delightful dessert rich in tradition and flavor. It’s not only a special treat for holidays and celebrations but also a comforting addition to any table. The combination of soft dough and sweet poppy seed filling creates a perfect balance that is loved by many. Making this recipe brings the taste of Poland into your home, allowing you to share a piece of cultural heritage with family and friends.

How to Make Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)

Ingredients

2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cup Warm milk
2 Egg yolks
2 tbsp Butter
1/4 cup White granulated sugar
1 packet (7g) Dry yeast (or 40g fresh yeast)
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 cups Poppy seed filling (look up for instructions)
3 Egg whites (beaten to soft peaks with a mixer)
1/4 cup Chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar
Water (or lemon juice)

Directions

In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and sugar until the butter is melted. Let it cool to about 100°F (40°C).
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the yeast (dissolve fresh yeast in warm milk if using). Add the cooled milk mixture and sift in the flour with a pinch of salt.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until it has tripled in volume.
If making homemade poppy seed filling, follow the recipe instructions for preparation. If using store-bought filling, check the consistency and cook if necessary to remove excess moisture. Once cooled, gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other, forming a log. Place the roll seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Wrap the roll in the paper, leaving some space for expansion.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) for convection or 375°F (190°C) for conventional baking. Place the wrapped roll on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes.
After baking, open the oven door slightly and let the makowiec cool inside for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of water or lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled makowiec and sprinkle with additional dry poppy seeds if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

How to Serve Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)

Polish Poppy Seed Roll can be served as a dessert, snack, or with your afternoon tea or coffee. Slice the roll into thick pieces to showcase the beautiful filling. You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch.

How to Store Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)

To keep your makowiec fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months this way.

Tips to Make Polish Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)

Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
If you’re using store-bought poppy seed filling, check for consistency and adjust as needed by cooking off moisture if it’s too wet.
Ensure you thoroughly beat the egg whites to soft peaks for a light and airy filling.
Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure proper fermentation and texture.

Variation

You can customize your makowiec by adding different ingredients to the filling, such as dried fruits or citrus zest for added flavor. Some people also enjoy adding a little bit of honey or chocolate to the filling for a unique twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it for a day before rolling it out and adding the filling. Just allow it to come to room temperature before proceeding.

Q: What can I use if I can’t find poppy seed filling?
A: If you can’t find poppy seed filling, you can make a simple version using ground poppy seeds, sugar, honey, and milk. Blend until smooth for a DIY filling.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
A: While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with bread flour for a chewier texture or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to adjust the liquid as needed.

Enjoy making and savoring this wonderful Polish treat with your loved ones!