Bejgli (Beigli) – Traditional Hungarian Walnut & Poppy Seed Roll 🇭🇺

Bejgli is one of the most beloved Hungarian holiday pastries. This soft yeast dough is rolled with rich walnut or poppy seed filling, baked until golden, and sliced into beautiful spirals. It’s especially popular at Christmas and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Dough

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g cold butter
• 80 g sugar
• 1 packet dry yeast (7 g)
• 2 egg yolks
• 150 ml milk (lukewarm)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar (optional)

Walnut Filling

• 200 g ground walnuts
• 100 g sugar
• 100 ml milk
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1–2 tbsp honey or jam (optional)

Poppy Seed Filling

• 200 g ground poppy seeds
• 100 g sugar
• 120 ml milk
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange
• 1–2 tbsp semolina or breadcrumbs (to thicken)
• Optional: raisins

For Brushing

• 1 egg yolk + 1 whole egg (for shiny glaze)