Beigli – The Iconic Hungarian Celebration Bread

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 250 g butter, softened
• 50 g sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 7 g dry yeast
• 120 ml warm milk
• Pinch of salt

For the Walnut Filling:

• 250 g ground walnuts
• 100 g sugar
• 120 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For Brushing:

• 1 egg, beaten

---

Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and let stand for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add butter, egg yolks, and the yeast mixture. Knead into a smooth dough.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. For the filling, heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan.
6. Stir in the ground walnuts, vanilla, and lemon zest. Let cool completely.
7. Roll the dough into a large rectangle.
8. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Roll up tightly from the long side and seal the ends.
10. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
11. Let rest for 20 minutes.
12. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
13. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Cool completely before slicing.