Polish Poppy Seed Buns

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Polish Poppy Seed Buns.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious journey, grab your stand mixer and combine warm milk, yeast, and half a cup of flour in the bowl.

2. Step 2

   Give it a good whisk and let it sit for about 30 minutes until a lovely sponge forms.

3. Step 3

   This is where the magic begins! Next, add in the egg yolks, sugar, melted butter, salt, and a splash of vanilla extract to your sponge.

4. Step 4

   Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully combined.

5. Step 5

   Now, it’s time to gradually mix in the remaining cup of flour.

6. Step 6

   Use a dough hook on low speed, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

7. Step 7

   In about five minutes, you’ll have a soft, smooth, and slightly elastic dough.

8. Step 8

   If it feels a bit too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s just right.

9. Step 9

   Once your dough is ready, take it out of the bowl and knead it by hand for about a minute, adding a touch more flour if necessary to achieve that perfect consistency.

10. Step 10

    Now, transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl, toss it to coat, cover it up, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this should take about two hours.

11. Step 11

    While your dough is rising, let’s whip up the filling.

12. Step 12

    In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, honey, sugar, and water over medium-high heat.

13. Step 13

    Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the poppy seeds and cook until it thickens to a spreadable texture, which should take about five minutes.

14. Step 14

    Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.

15. Step 15

    As your dough rises and your filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

16. Step 16

    When the dough has risen beautifully, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

17. Step 17

    Shape it into a log about 15 inches long, then roll it out into a rectangle measuring 10x18 inches and about 1/8 inch thick.

18. Step 18

    Spread that cooled poppy seed filling over the dough, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of dough exposed on one long side.

19. Step 19

    Lightly brush the exposed edge with water to help seal it later.

20. Step 20

    Now, roll the dough up tightly from the filled side, making sure to finish with the seam side down.

21. Step 21

    Seal the ends and shape the roll evenly, trimming any excess dough if needed.

22. Step 22

    Cut the roll into eight even pieces and place them flat on your prepared baking sheet, tucking any seams under if you can.

23. Step 23

    Let them rest for five minutes while your oven finishes preheating.

24. Step 24

    Bake those beauties in the preheated oven until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes.

25. Step 25

    Once they’re done, transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool to room temperature.

26. Step 26

    While the rolls are cooling, let’s prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar and milk in a bowl.

27. Step 27

    Once the rolls are warm, brush them with the glaze for that perfect finishing touch before serving.

28. Step 28

    Enjoy the delightful aroma and the delicious taste of your homemade poppy seed rolls!.