Ultra-Soft Poppy Seed and Walnut Rolls (Makovo-Orechový Závin)

If you are looking for a recipe for traditional homemade rolls with a rich poppy seed and walnut filling, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this one. The yeast dough is exceptionally soft, pliable, and easy to work with. Thanks to the generous filling, these rolls stay wonderfully juicy and fragrant with vanilla and fresh lemon zest.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Dough: A soft, flexible yeast dough made with both oil and butter for long-lasting softness.

• Double the Tradition: Features two rich fillings—sweet ground poppy seed and aromatic ground walnut.

• Fluffier Fillings: Whisked egg whites folded into the fillings add lightness and keep them moist.

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weekend baking, holidays, or pairing with your morning coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• All-Purpose Flour (Hladká Múka): 500 g

• Active Dry Yeast: 10 g

• Granulated Sugar: 30 g

• Warm Milk: 250 ml

• Salt: 1 tsp

• Egg Yolks: 2 large

• Vegetable Oil: 50 ml

• Unsalted Butter (melted): 30 g

• Vanilla Sugar: 1 packet (approx. 10 g)

• Grated Lemon Zest: From 1 organic/unrefined lemon

For the Poppy Seed Filling (Maková Plnka)

• Ground Poppy Seeds: 200 g

• Granulated Sugar: 60 g

• Vanilla Sugar: ½ packet

• Butter: 20 g

• Hot Milk: 100 ml

• Egg White: 1 (whipped into soft peaks)

For the Walnut Filling (Orechová Plnka)

• Ground Walnuts: 200 g

• Granulated Sugar: 60 g

• Vanilla Sugar: ½ packet

• Butter: 20 g

• Hot Milk: 100 ml

• Egg White: 1 (whipped into soft peaks)

For the Glaze

• Egg Yolks: 2 large

• Milk: 1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Knead the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and salt.

2. Add the egg yolks, vegetable oil, melted butter, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest.

3. Take a small amount from the 250 ml of warm milk and pour it over the yeast, then add the rest of the milk.

4. Knead everything together until a smooth, flexible, and elastic dough forms.

5. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave in a warm place to rise for approximately 60 minutes (or until doubled in size).

2. Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling

1. Mix the ground poppy seeds with granulated sugar and vanilla sugar in a bowl.

2. Add the 20 g of butter and pour the hot milk over the mixture.

3. Stir well and allow to cool slightly. Once lukewarm, gently fold in 1 whipped egg white.

3. Prepare the Walnut Filling

1. Prepare the walnut filling using the exact same method: combine the ground walnuts with granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, and hot milk.

2. Stir well, let cool slightly, and gently fold in the second whipped egg white.

4. Roll and Assemble

1. Divide the risen dough into two equal portions.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a rectangle.

3. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over one rectangle and the walnut filling over the other.

4. Roll each dough sheet up tightly to form two sealed rolls.

5. Final Proof & Baking

1. Transfer both rolls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for an additional 20 minutes.

2. Whisk the 2 egg yolks with 1 tablespoon of milk and brush the mixture evenly over the tops of both rolls.

3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 35 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Preparation Breakdown

Baker’s Tip for Best Results

Allow the rolls to cool slightly after removing them from the oven. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before slicing. These rolls pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and remain soft and moist even on the second day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we add whipped egg whites to the fillings?

Folding whipped egg whites into the poppy seed and walnut mixtures keeps the fillings light, juicy, and prevents them from drying out during baking.

How do I store these yeast rolls?

Wrap the cooled rolls tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 3 to 4 days.

Conclusion

This Poppy Seed and Walnut Roll recipe delivers authentic European flavor with a texture that stays soft for days. Give it a try, and enjoy a timeless homemade dessert!