Soft, buttery dough wrapped around a rich poppy seed and cherry filling—this European-style roll is a sweet swirl of tradition and flavor in every slice!
Cherry Poppy Dream Roll (Makowiec-style)
A beautiful fusion of tradition and flavor, this Cherry Poppy Dream Roll is inspired by the classic Polish Makowiec. Soft, buttery yeast dough wraps around a rich filling of sweet poppy seeds and juicy cherries, creating a tender, festive roll perfect for holidays or special occasions. With its vibrant swirl and old-world charm, this homemade pastry is as stunning on the table as it is satisfying to eat.

Ingredients
Instructions
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Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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Warm the milk to about 37–40°C (98–104°F). Stir in a teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the remaining sugar until light and creamy.
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Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and salt.
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Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Place ground poppy seeds in a bowl. (If not pre-ground, grind them in a food processor or coffee grinder.)
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Pour boiling water over the seeds, just enough to cover. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then drain well.
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Mix the softened poppy seeds with sugar. Add the cherries and gently fold in.
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Step 3: Assemble the Roll
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 40x30 cm).
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Spread the poppy seed-cherry mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 2 cm border.
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Roll it up tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll.
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Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down. Let it rise another 30 minutes.
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Brush with beaten egg or milk for a golden crust.
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Step 4: Bake
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories:340kcalTotal Fat:13gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium:60mgTotal Carbohydrate:48gDietary Fiber: 3gSugars: 20gProtein:7g
Note
Optional Topping: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple lemon glaze.
User Reviews
Very good
I am truly amazed by how delicious they turned out.
I tried the poppyseed roll recipe from this website, and it turned out amazing! The instructions were clear and simple to follow, even for someone like me who’s not a baking expert. The dough was soft and fluffy, and the poppyseed/cherry filling was rich, just the right amount of sweet, and full of flavor. This is hands down the best poppyseed roll recipe I’ve tried definitely a keeper. Thank you for such a wonderful and foolproof recipe!