Hungarian Walnut & Poppy Seed Rolls (Diós és Mákos Bejgli)

Hungarian Walnut & Poppy Seed Rolls (Diós és Mákos Bejgli) 🇭🇺🍂

A cherished Hungarian Christmas tradition, these sweet, spiral-filled rolls feature a buttery yeast dough wrapped around walnut or poppy seed paste. Perfect with tea or as a holiday dessert!

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Ingredients

Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast

• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

• 2 egg yolks (save whites for glaze)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp salt

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Walnut Filling:

• 2 cups (200g) ground walnuts

• ½ cup (100g) sugar

• ½ cup (120ml) milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Rum or lemon juice (1 tbsp, optional)

Poppy Seed Filling:

• 1½ cups (180g) ground poppy seeds

• ½ cup (100g) sugar

• ½ cup (120ml) milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp honey or apricot jam

Glaze:

• Reserved egg whites

• 1 tbsp milk

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Dough

1. Dissolve yeast + 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5 mins until frothy.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla. Knead until smooth (~5-7 mins).

3. Cover and let rise 1 hour (or until doubled).

2️⃣ Prepare Fillings

• Walnut: Simmer milk + sugar, then mix with walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cool.

• Poppy Seed: Grind seeds (if whole), then simmer with milk, sugar, and honey. Cool.

3️⃣ Assemble Rolls

1. Divide dough into 4 parts. Roll each into a 9×12-inch rectangle.

2. Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll tightly (like a jelly roll).

3. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Curve slightly into a crescent.

4️⃣ Bake

1. Brush with egg white + milk glaze.

2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 mins until golden.

3. Cool, then dust with powdered sugar.

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🌟 Tips for Success

• Grind poppy seeds finely for a smoother filling.

• Soak raisins in rum for added depth (mix into fillings).

• Freeze unbaked rolls for later—thaw and bake as needed!

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Why This Recipe?

✅ Authentic Hungarian flavor—just like Grandma made!
✅ Perfectly soft dough with a rich, nutty filling.
✅ Great for gifting during the holidays.

Serve sliced with coffee or mulled wine for a true Central European experience! Want a chocolate twist? Add cocoa powder to the walnut filling! 🍫😊