🇭🇺 Hungarian Poppy Seed Sweet Bread (Mákos Kalács)

IngredientsFor the dough:500 g all-purpose flour250 ml warm milk80 g sugar80 g unsalted butter, melted2 large eggs7 g instant dry yeast1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)For the poppy seed filling:200 g ground poppy seeds120 g sugar100 ml milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon lemon zest2 tablespoons raisins (optional)For the egg wash:1 egg yolk1 tablespoon milk👩‍🍳 Instructions1. Prepare the dough In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.Add the flour, remaining sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.2. Make the poppy seed filling Heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Add the ground poppy seeds, vanilla, lemon zest, and raisins if desired.Stir well until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely.3. Shape the bread Divide the dough into several portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle and spread a thin layer of poppy seed filling over it.Roll the dough up tightly, then cut or arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan to create a beautiful pull-apart bread.4. Let it rise Cover the shaped bread and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes.5. Brush with egg wash Mix the egg yolk with the milk and gently brush the top of the bread to give it a beautiful golden shine.6. Bake Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.7. Cool and serve Allow the bread to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee or tea.❤️ Tips for the Best Hungarian Sweet BreadUse freshly ground poppy seeds for a richer flavor.Make sure the filling is completely cool before spreading it over the dough.Avoid overfilling the dough to prevent the rolls from opening during baking.Brush with egg wash for a shiny, bakery-style finish.

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