Description
Homemade Sweet Poppy Seed Buns bring nostalgic Polish bakery magic to your kitchen, weaving comfort and tradition into each delightful bite. Warm, pillowy pastries invite you to savor a slice of culinary heritage with pure, simple pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Flour & Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp additional poppy seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and poppy seeds, creating a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs into the flour mixture, blending thoroughly to form a soft, elastic dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and springy, developing its gluten structure.
- Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, shaping each into smooth, round buns.
- Arrange the buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.
- Cover the buns and allow a second rise for 30-40 minutes until they become puffy and light.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rising period.
- Brush the buns gently with egg wash and sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top for a decorative finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack to preserve their delicate texture.
Notes
- Prevent dense buns by ensuring yeast is fresh and properly activated, which creates a light, airy texture.
- Experiment with alternative flour types like whole wheat or gluten-free blends for diverse dietary needs while maintaining soft consistency.
- Control moisture by using room temperature ingredients, which helps achieve uniform dough development and prevents potential dryness.
- Add extra flavor dimensions by incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into the poppy seed mixture for gourmet variations.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg