🇭🇺🍞 Hungarian Walnut & Poppy Seed Rolls

🇭🇺🍞 Hungarian Walnut & Poppy Seed Rolls
(Diós és Mákos Kalács)
Soft, tender yeast dough filled with rich walnut or poppy seed filling — a classic Hungarian holiday bake. Don’t lose this recipe!

🛒 Ingredients

Dough

  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2¼ tsp (7 g) instant yeast
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
  • ½ cup (115 g) butter, softened
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Walnut Filling (Diós)

  • 1½ cups (180 g) ground walnuts
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Poppy Seed Filling (Mákos)

  • 1½ cups (180 g) finely ground poppy seeds
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • ½ tsp vanilla (optional)

For Brushing

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

  1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm milk, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla.
  3. Knead until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes).
  4. Cover and let rise 60–90 minutes, until doubled.

2. Prepare the Fillings

  • For each filling, mix ground nuts or poppy seeds with sugar.
  • Add warm milk gradually until thick but spreadable.
  • Stir in lemon zest (and cinnamon or vanilla if using).
  • Let cool completely.

3. Shape the Rolls

  1. Divide dough into 2 equal pieces.
  2. Roll each into a rectangle (~¼ inch thick).
  3. Spread filling evenly, leaving ½ inch border.
  4. Roll tightly from the long side.
  5. Place seam-side down on lined baking tray.

4. Traditional Glazing (Important!)

  1. Brush rolls with egg yolk only.
  2. Let dry 15 minutes.
  3. Brush lightly with egg white.
  4. Let rest 30 minutes until surface is dry.

(This gives the classic crackled look)

5. Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden.
  • Cool completely before slicing.

🍽️ Serving & Storage

  • Slice thin with a sharp knife
  • Keeps 1 week wrapped
  • Freezes beautifully

💡 Authentic Tips

  • Fillings must be thick, never runny
  • Always grind poppy seeds fresh
  • Lemon zest is essential for real Hungarian flavor 🇭🇺

👉 Save this recipe & comment YES if you love traditional European baking!

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