Poppy seed rolls are a delightful and comforting baked treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack. They feature a soft, fluffy dough infused with a subtle nutty flavor from the poppy seeds. This detailed recipe will guide you through making these delicious rolls from scratch, ensuring you end up with a batch of golden, flavorful rolls every time.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk with 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, the yeast will start to bubble and froth. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. This well will be the place where you add your wet ingredients.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter and eggs until they are fully combined. Once your yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the well you created in the flour. Add the butter and egg mixture as well. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
4. Incorporate Poppy Seeds:
- Add 2 teaspoons of poppy seeds to the dough. Continue to mix until the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Kneading is important as it develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the rolls their structure. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm milk.
6. First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top with oil. This helps prevent the dough from drying out. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is known as the first rise.
7. Punch Down and Shape:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. You can cut the dough into squares or rectangles, depending on how large you want your rolls to be.
8. Shape the Rolls:
- Shape each piece of dough into a roll. You can do this by folding the dough over itself to create a rounded shape. Place the shaped rolls onto a greased baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper. Arrange them close together but not touching.
9. Second Rise:
- Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes. During this time, the rolls will puff up and nearly double in size. This second rise is crucial for ensuring the rolls are light and fluffy.
10. Prepare the Egg Wash:
- While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water. This egg wash will give your rolls a beautiful, shiny, golden-brown finish.
11. Brush the Rolls:
- Once the rolls have finished their second rise, use a pastry brush to gently brush the egg wash over the top of each roll. This step is essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
12. Bake the Rolls:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the rolls for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-brown. If they are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
13. Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps prevent the bottoms from becoming soggy. Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own or with a pat of butter.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Addition: For a cheesy twist, you can add shredded cheese to the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Sweet Glaze: For a sweeter touch, brush the rolls with a mixture of melted butter and sugar right after baking.
Enjoy your homemade poppy seed rolls with a variety of meals, or simply as a delicious snack!
