Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls are a soft, flavorful addition to any meal, with a touch of sweetness and a lovely crunch from poppy seeds. These rolls are perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion, and they’re easy to make at home. Each roll is light, fluffy, and topped with a beautiful golden crust from the egg wash. The poppy seeds add a mild, nutty flavor and an elegant look to the rolls, making them the star of the breadbasket.
With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of homemade rolls that taste and look like they came from a bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls are tender and airy, thanks to a well-risen dough.
• Mildly Sweet with a Nutty Crunch: The poppy seeds provide a delightful flavor contrast.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: A beautiful side that complements any meal.
Ingredients:
• 500g all-purpose flour
• 50g sugar
• 10g salt
• 7g instant yeast
• 300ml warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• Egg wash: 1 beaten egg mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
• Add the warm milk, egg, and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
• Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten for a soft, fluffy texture.
Step 4: First Rise
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
• Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then press gently to flatten slightly.
Step 6: Prepare Ramekins and Seed Topping
• Grease individual ramekins and sprinkle the bottoms with poppy seeds. Place each dough ball into a ramekin, pressing the seed-coated side down, then flip so the poppy seeds are on top.
Step 7: Second Rise
• Cover the ramekins with a cloth and let the rolls rise again in a warm place for about 45 minutes, or until they look puffy and fill the ramekins.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash
• Brush the tops of the rolls with the egg wash to give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.
Step 10: Bake
• Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and baked through.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
• Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best texture and flavor.
Tips:
• Warm Milk for Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Even Shaping: Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly for uniformly sized rolls.
• Baking Without Ramekins: If you don’t have ramekins, place the rolls directly on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat briefly in the oven.
These Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls are a delicious homemade addition to any meal, adding a touch of elegance with the poppy seed topping and a tender, fluffy texture everyone will love.
