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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much to avoid making the dough too dry.
#### Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Poppy Seed Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the poppy seed filling. In a small saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, milk, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and the butter is melted. If you like, you can add lemon zest to the filling for an extra touch of flavor. Once the filling is ready, set it aside to cool slightly.
#### Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for a shape that’s approximately 12×18 inches.
#### Step 5: Spread the Filling
Spread the cooled poppy seed mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Once the filling is spread, roll up the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log shape.
#### Step 6: Slice and Arrange the Rolls
Carefully slice the dough into about 12 rolls, depending on how large you want them. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan, leaving a little space between each one.
#### Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up and doubled in size.
#### Step 8: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
#### Step 9: Optional Glaze
While the rolls are baking, you can prepare an optional glaze by melting some butter and brushing it over the top of the rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. For a sweet finish, you can sprinkle powdered sugar over the top once the rolls have cooled a bit.
#### Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. These poppy seed rolls are perfect when warm, with a soft and slightly sweet interior and a slightly nutty flavor from the poppy seeds. Enjoy them with tea, as a breakfast treat, or alongside a savory meal.
### Tips for the Perfect Poppy Seed Rolls:
– **Poppy Seed Texture:** You can use whole or ground poppy seeds for the filling. Ground poppy seeds will create a smoother filling, while whole poppy seeds will give a more textured, crunchy bite. Either way, the flavor is fantastic!
– **Dough Consistency:** If your dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour. But remember, a slightly sticky dough is better than a dry one. You want the dough to be soft and pliable, so don’t add too much flour.
– **Let Them Cool:** While the rolls are delicious fresh out of the oven, allowing them to cool for 10-15 minutes will make them easier to handle, and they’ll hold their shape better when serving.
### Why You’ll Love Poppy Seed Rolls:
– **Deliciously Sweet and Nutty:** The poppy seed filling offers a perfect balance of sweetness and a mild nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft, fluffy dough.
– **Versatile:** These rolls can be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, a light snack, or even a side dish for a dinner gathering. They’re adaptable for various occasions!
– **Easy to Make:** While they require a bit of time for the dough to rise, the process is simple, and the reward is a batch of warm, fragrant rolls that everyone will love.
### Conclusion:
These **Poppy Seed Rolls** are a delightful homemade treat that combines soft dough, a sweet filling, and just the right amount of poppy seed crunch. They are perfect for enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea and are sure to impress at any breakfast table or gathering. With just a few ingredients, you can create a comforting and delicious roll that your family will request again and again!
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