Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll (Mákos Bejgli) – A Classic Holiday Tradition

Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll (Mákos Bejgli) – A Classic Holiday Tradition

Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll, or Mákos Bejgli, is a cherished pastry that graces tables during the holidays, especially at Christmas and Easter. This traditional sweet bread consists of a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough wrapped around a rich, nutty, and aromatic poppy seed filling. With its beautiful swirled interior and golden-brown crust, Mákos Bejgli is a masterpiece of Hungarian baking and a must-have treat for festive occasions.

If you’ve never tried making it at home, you’re in for a treat! This guide will walk you through the history, cultural significance, step-by-step preparation, and expert tips to ensure your homemade poppy seed roll turns out flawless, flavorful, and irresistibly soft.

🌍 The History of Bejgli: A Legacy of European Baking

The tradition of making bejgli (yeast-based rolled pastries) dates back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is believed that this pastry was influenced by similar rolls made in Poland, Germany, and Slovakia, but the Hungarian version became particularly well known for its two classic fillings:

🥖 Mákos Bejgli – Poppy seed filling (symbolizing prosperity and abundance)
🥖 Diós Bejgli – Walnut filling (symbolizing wealth and strength)

Hungarian grandmothers often made these pastries for Christmas, with recipes handed down through generations. To this day, no Hungarian holiday table is complete without bejgli.

🧑‍🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic and Traditional – A time-honored recipe that stays true to Hungarian baking traditions.
✔ Rich, Nutty Filling – The fragrant poppy seed filling is perfectly balanced with hints of citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla.
✔ Soft, Fluffy Dough – Lightly sweet, buttery, and easy to roll.
✔ Perfect for Celebrations – A festive treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to family gatherings.

🥖 Ingredients for Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll

(Makes 2 large rolls, serving 12-14 people)

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) dry yeast or 25g fresh yeast
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (not hot, just lukewarm)
  • ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For the Poppy Seed Filling:

  • 2 cups (250g) ground poppy seeds
  • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange
  • ½ cup (100g) raisins (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons honey

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg yolk (for the first layer)
  • 1 egg white (for a glossy finish)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Hungarian Poppy Seed Roll

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1️⃣ In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
3️⃣ Add the melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and activated yeast mixture.
4️⃣ Mix the ingredients and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes).
5️⃣ Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Poppy Seed Filling

1️⃣ In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2️⃣ Add the ground poppy seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon zest, stirring constantly.
3️⃣ Cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the honey and raisins (if using).
5️⃣ Let the filling cool completely before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1️⃣ Divide the risen dough into two equal portions.
2️⃣ Roll out one portion into a rectangular shape (about 12×16 inches) on a lightly floured surface.
3️⃣ Spread half of the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
4️⃣ Roll it up tightly from the longer side, ensuring a compact spiral.
5️⃣ Pinch the edges closed and place the roll seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6️⃣ Repeat the process with the second portion of dough.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Resting

1️⃣ Brush the rolls with a beaten egg yolk and let them rest for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Once dried, brush them with a beaten egg white for a glossy finish.
3️⃣ Let the rolls rest for another 30 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Baking the Poppy Seed Roll

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Use a fork to gently poke a few small holes in the rolls (this helps prevent cracking).
3️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
4️⃣ Let cool completely before slicing—this helps the filling set properly.

PREPARATION