Central European Poppy Seed Roll Recipe

Central European Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec-Style Slice)

Found in Poland, Hungary, Czechia and beyond — soft pastry rolled with fragrant poppy seed filling. Calm, sweet, and perfect for the quiet days after Christmas.

Ingredients (Dough)

• 300g plain flour

• 7g dried yeast

• 60g sugar

• 125ml warm milk

• 60g butter, melted

• 1 egg + 1 yolk

• Pinch of salt

Ingredients (Filling)

• 200g poppy seeds

• 75g sugar

• 30g butter

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 50g raisins or chopped dried apricots (optional)

• 2–3 tbsp milk, to loosen

Method

1. For the dough, mix flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter and eggs. Knead until smooth. Rise for 1 hour.

2. For the filling, gently warm the poppy seeds, sugar, butter, vanilla and orange zest with a splash of milk until it forms a thick paste. Stir in raisins if using.

3. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling and roll it tightly like a Swiss roll.

4. Place seam-side down on a lined tray.

5. Prove for 30 minutes, brush with beaten egg.

6. Bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes until golden.

7. Cool fully before slicing — the filling sets as it rests.