Ukrainian Christmas Poppy Seed Roll Makovyi Knysh

Celebrate the warmth and tradition of the holiday season with Ukrainian Christmas Poppy Seed Roll, known as Makovyi Knysh—a timeless centerpiece for festive gatherings. This soft, buttery yeast dough is rolled around a velvety filling of honey-sweetened poppy seeds, rich with nutty and floral notes. The recipe combines the art of breadmaking with the comfort of a homemade pastry, featuring a golden, glossy exterior thanks to an egg wash finish. Perfect for sharing, this classic dessert is steeped in Ukrainian heritage and pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Whether you’re honoring tradition or exploring global cuisine, this festive treat is a deliciously satisfying way to embrace the holidays.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:60 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 10 grams Instant yeast
• 250 milliliters Milk
• 75 grams Unsalted butter
• 1 unit Egg (large)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 200 grams Poppy seeds
• 60 grams Honey
• 50 grams Sugar (for filling)
• 125 milliliters Milk (for filling)
• 1 unit Egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon Water

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

Step 2

Heat the milk until warm to the touch and melt the butter into it. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.

Step 3

Add the warm milk-butter mixture, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 4

Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 6

To prepare the filling, grind the poppy seeds in a grinder or food processor to release their oils.

Step 7

In a small saucepan, heat the milk, poppy seeds, honey, and sugar over medium heat. Stir and cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Let it cool completely.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 9

After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 40x30 cm (16x12 inches).

Step 10

Spread the cooled poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 11

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal and tuck the ends under.

Step 12

Place the roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.

Step 13

Mix the egg yolk and water together to make an egg wash. Brush the top of the roll with the egg wash.

Step 14

Bake the roll in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 15

Remove the roll from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1408.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4346.2

Total Fat 171.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 55.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 570.3mg	0%
Sodium 2661.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 612.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 55.1g	0%
Total Sugars 177.7g
Protein 114.9g	0%

Vitamin D 238.2IU	0%
Calcium 3489.3mg	0%
Iron 44.8mg	0%
Potassium 2798.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 55.1%