Classic Poppyseed Rolls

“Learn how to make traditional Russian poppyseed buns with a sweet, nutty filling. This easy recipe combines fluffy dough with a rich poppyseed filling for a delicious treat perfect for any occasion!”

Poppyseed Rolls A Beloved Russian Treat with Deep Roots

Poppyseed buns, or (bulochki s makom), hold a cherished place in Russian cuisine and culture. Traditionally, Russian and Eastern European pastries often highlight simple, wholesome ingredients combined with rich, comforting flavors. Poppyseeds, for instance, have been used in Russian desserts and baked goods for centuries, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. You’ll often find these buns at family gatherings, tea time, or holiday feasts, where they add warmth and nostalgia to the table.

In Russia, poppyseed buns are a common sight in bakeries and homes alike, especially during special occasions and celebrations. Poppyseeds are steeped in history and tradition, with records of their use in Russia dating back to ancient times. These seeds were initially prized for their nutritional benefits, including high calcium and magnesium content, and were believed to have calming effects. The practice of incorporating them into pastries and breads quickly grew, as they added a unique nutty sweetness that complements the mild, yeasted doughs so commonly used in Slavic baking.

In our households, making these buns from scratch is a labor of love and a tradition often passed down through generations. The process of kneading and shaping the dough is almost therapeutic, and it’s not uncommon for families to have their own variations on the recipe, from adding citrus zest to infusing the filling with honey. For Russian Orthodox holidays like Easter, poppyseed buns can also be a staple, symbolizing renewal and celebration as they’re shared among friends and family.

This recipe captures the essence of Russian baking: simple ingredients, careful preparation, and a focus on sharing. Paired with tea, or (chai), these buns are best enjoyed slowly, savored with loved ones, bringing a taste of Russian tradition into every bite.

Key Ingredients for Poppyseed Rolls

  1. All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough, providing structure while maintaining a soft texture. All-purpose flour gives the buns the right balance of sturdiness and tenderness.

  2. Kefir – A fermented milk drink that adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the dough. Its acidity balances the sweetness of the filling, and its probiotics contribute to a soft, airy crumb.

  3. Butter – Essential for richness and flavor, butter keeps the dough soft and enhances the overall indulgence of the rolls.

  4. Active Dry Yeast – This leavening agent gives the dough its rise, resulting in fluffy buns. Make sure it’s fresh and activated properly to achieve the best texture.

  5. Sugar – Added both in the dough and the poppyseed filling, sugar provides sweetness and helps activate the yeast, adding lightness to the texture.

  6. Egg – Used in the dough, it contributes to a soft, cohesive structure. Egg also enriches the dough, giving it a golden hue and a soft crumb.

  7. Poppyseed Filling – The star of the recipe, poppyseed filling is sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy. Quality poppyseed filling makes a significant difference in flavor; look for one without excess additives or make your own for a purer taste.

  8. Egg Wash (Egg Yolks and Milk) – A final egg wash gives the buns a beautiful, golden-brown color and a slight sheen. It’s a small detail that makes a big visual impact.

Each of these ingredients brings something essential to the table, creating buns that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced in texture and taste.

Tips for Success with Poppyseed Rolls

  1. Use Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired or inactive yeast won’t allow the dough to rise properly, resulting in dense rolls. To test it, dissolve the yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar; it should become foamy within 5 minutes.

  2. Perfect the Dough Temperature: The butter and kefir mixture should be lukewarm (around 110°F or 43°C) when adding yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.

  3. Don’t Over-Flour the Dough: The dough may feel sticky initially, but avoid the urge to add more flour. Stickiness is normal due to the butter content, and kneading will help smooth it out. Extra flour could make the rolls dense.

  4. Knead by Hand for Best Results: While you can use a stand mixer, kneading by hand gives you better control over the dough’s texture. Kneading for about 10 minutes helps develop gluten, giving the rolls their soft, airy texture.

  5. Allow the Dough to Rise Fully: Letting the dough double in size is key for fluffy rolls. Find a warm spot to place the dough, and be patient—it might take longer on colder days.

  6. Use Quality Poppyseed Filling: Poppyseed fillings vary widely. High-quality fillings will be naturally sweet and nutty without excessive sugar or additives. Check European or specialty stores for the best options, or make your own at home.

  7. Shaping the Rolls: For a professional look, slice each rolled log carefully down the center and twist it into a rose shape. This technique allows the poppyseed filling to peek through, creating a visually appealing, spiral-like bun.

  8. Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Brushing the buns with an egg wash (egg yolks and milk) gives them that beautiful golden-brown shine. Make sure to brush gently to avoid deflating the risen rolls.

  9. Don’t Overbake: Bake until just golden brown (18-20 minutes). Overbaking can make the rolls dry. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure a soft, tender crumb.

  10. Cool Before Serving: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before removing them from the baking sheet to set their shape. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

These tips will help you achieve fluffy, perfectly risen, and richly flavored poppyseed rolls every time!

You can find poppyseed filling at various specialty stores and major retailers:

  1. Grocery Stores – Many large grocery chains, such as Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway, carry poppyseed filling in the baking aisle or with canned pie fillings. Look for brands like Solo Poppy Seed Filling, which is popular in the U.S.

  2. European and Russian Markets – Specialty stores that cater to Eastern European or Russian ingredients are great places to find high-quality poppyseed filling. These stores often carry authentic versions with minimal additives.

  3. Online Retailers – Amazon, eBay, and other online retailers stock a variety of poppyseed fillings. Some specialty brands, like Solo, or imported versions from Europe, can be found easily online. 

  4. Baking Supply Stores – Some baking supply shops, particularly in larger cities, may carry poppyseed filling along with other specialty pastry ingredients.

  5. Homemade Option – If you can’t find it locally, making poppyseed filling at home is simple. Grind poppyseeds and cook them down with sugar, milk, and a bit of vanilla or citrus zest for a delicious DIY filling.

 
4o

Hope you enjoy this recipe from my family to yours! These poppyseed buns have been a cherished treat in our home, and I’m thrilled to share them with you. Each bite is a taste of tradition, warmth, and love, and I hope they bring the same joy to your table as they do to ours. Happy baking!

 
4o

CLASSIC POPPYSEED ROLLS

Lily’s Cooking & Home
Delicious PoppySeed buns fresh out the oven. Recipe with step by step instructions to make it at home.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Russian
Servings 24 persons

Ingredients
  

  • 4 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Kefir
  • 1/3 cups Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 2 sticks Butter
  • 2 lbs Poppyseed Filling
  • 2 egg yolks (for egg wash)
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream (for egg wash)

Instructions
 

Preparing the Dough

  • Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the two sticks of butter over low heat. Once melted, add the kefir and stir. Use your finger to check the temperature—it should be lukewarm, not hot or cold.
  • Activate the Yeast: Stir in the sugar and active dry yeast to the warm butter-kefir mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbles form, indicating the yeast is active.
  • Combine Flour and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Crack in the egg and pour in the kefir-butter-yeast mixture.
  • Mix and Knead: Use a spatula to mix the ingredients until they come together, then transfer the dough to a clean surface. Knead by hand for about 10-15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It may feel sticky, but resist adding extra flour. The butter will prevent it from sticking to your hands and surface. The dough should feel stretchy but not ripping apart when you stretch it. For the easiest method is use a dough hook standing mixer, at spreed 4 for 20 minutes.
  • Let the Dough Rise: Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a large, greased mixing bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, then let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping the Rolls

  • Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, gently flip it onto your work surface. Cut it into quarters, then divide each quarter into six pieces, making 24 pieces in total.
  • Roll and Fill: Lightly roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to shape it into a small rectangle. Spread about 2 tablespoons of poppyseed filling over the dough, then roll it up tightly like a cinnamon roll.
  • Slice and Shape: Slice down the center of each roll, then twist the two halves together to form a rose-like shape.
  • Second Rise: Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 1-2 inches apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Baking the Buns

  • Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. Brush the tops of each bun with this egg wash for a golden finish.
  • Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn a rich golden brown on top.
  • Cool and Enjoy: Allow the buns to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a cold glass of milk for the perfect treat!

Notes

These poppyseed buns are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With their fluffy texture and rich, nutty filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy
Keyword Classic Poppyseed Buns, Eastern European Pastries, Fluffy Poppyseed Rolls, Homemade Poppyseed Buns, Sweet Poppyseed Filling, Traditional Poppyseed Rolls

Loving all the recipes from Lily's, the first site I check when I dont know what to cook for the day. Always bringing fresh recipes.

Suscriber

Loving all the recipes from Lily's, the first site I check when I dont know what to cook for the day. Always bringing fresh recipes.

Suscriber

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5 Responses

  1. Why is this recipe different from the one on your Instagram. That one doesn’t have kefir and I don’t have it right now:(

    1. Hi Anna if you don’t have Kefir you can always use plain yogurt instead. Im not sure which one on instagram you referring too.

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