Russian Christmas is a time of festive joy, celebrated with delicious traditional treats that warm the heart and home. One such delightful recipe sure to charm your guests and family members this holiday season is the classic Poppy Seed Rolls Russian Style. These sweet and nutty rolls are a staple in Russian households during the holiday season, perfect for enjoying alongside a cup of tea or as a sweet ending to your celebratory feast. Let’s dive into the recipe that will fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of freshly baked bread and warm spices.
**Poppy Seed Rolls Russian Style**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup warm milk
– 1 packet dry yeast
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup poppy seeds
– 1/2 cup honey
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup raisins
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt until well combined.
3. Gradually add the yeast mixture into the mixing bowl and stir to combine.
4. Slowly incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients, kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. In the meantime, prepare the filling by grinding the poppy seeds in a food processor until they are finely chopped.
7. In a bowl, mix the ground poppy seeds with honey, lemon zest, chopped walnuts, and raisins to create a fragrant, nutty filling.
8. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
9. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. Roll the dough tightly to form a log, then slice it into individual rolls about 2 inches thick.
11. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) while the rolls are rising.
13. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
14. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these Poppy Seed Rolls Russian Style with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and share the joy of the holiday season with those you love. The tender dough, paired with the sweet poppy seed filling, creates a delectable treat that will surely become a favorite at your Christmas table. Embrace the tradition and warmth of Russian baking with this delightful recipe that brings comfort and joy to your home during this festive season.
