Poppy Seed Rolls

A fabulous alternative to the classic cinnamon roll, the creamy filling of honeyed butter with poppy seeds, walnuts, raisins and orange zest makes these rolls an impressive standout.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 343 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• ¼ cup shortening
• ½ cup margarine, softened
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 ½ cups raisins
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup warm milk
• ½ pound poppy seeds

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the poppy seeds in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 1 hour.

Step 2

Stir together milk, sugar, shortening, and salt. Stir until shortening melts. Cool mixture to lukewarm. Mix yeast with 2 cups flour; mix into milk mixture. Stir in eggs. Work in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover, and let rise until doubled in size.

Step 3

Drain poppy seeds well, and put through the finest blade of a grinder 3 times. Cream butter or margarine and honey. Add cream, and stir in poppy seeds, nuts, raisins and grated peel. Add more cream if necessary to spread thinly over dough.

Step 4

Deflate dough, and divide in half. Roll each half to a 12 x 8 inch rectangle. Spread with poppy seed filling. Roll up, jelly-roll fashion, from long edge. Slice each into 12 pieces, and place cut side down in greased 9 inch round cake pans. Let rise until doubled in bulk.

Step 5

Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.