Makowiec: Polish Poppy Seed Roll

According to tradition, the poppy seed cake on the festive table will provide abundance and abundance at home.

There’s not much of a story behind it. No one really knows where it came from apart from the fact that it got way more popular across the entire country of Poland after the World War II.

Recipe Pointers For Polish Poppyseed Roll Recipe

• You can cover the makowiec with a glaze instead of some frosting.
• If you don’t want it too sweet, you can skip the frosting entirely.
• Instead of sprinkling the roll with dry poppy seeds, you can use some candied orange peel or lemon peel. Or do both!
• Optionally, you can also add candied peeled and chopped almonds to poppy seed filling like this one.
• For a boozy makowiec, add some rum-soaked raisins or rum-soaked peel.
• Serve the makowiec with some hot cocoa, tea, coffee, or mulled cider.

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FAQs about Polish Poppyseed Roll

Does the Polish poppy seed roll have another name?

The Polish poppy seed roll or makowiec is also called strucla, which is the generic name for these types of sweet yeast rolls with different fillings.

I don’t like poppy seeds. Can I use any other filling?

Yes, makowiec can also be filled with jams, jelly, sweet fruit fillings, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, candied peel, or sweet cheese.

Is makowiec only to be eaten at Christmas?

Makowiec is traditionally made for Christmas and Easter. But you can enjoy it any other time of the year too.

Which other countries make similar poppy seed rolls?

Many Central and Eastern European countries make this poppy seed roll for Christmas and Easter. It’s called mákos bejgli in Hungary, mohnkuchen or mohnstriezel in Austria, wienerbrød in Denmark, makový závin in Czechia, makovník in Slovakia, makivnyk in Ukraine, makovnjača in Serbia, makavy rulet in Belarus, coarda cu mac in Romania, magonmaizite in Latvia, and rulet s makom in Russia.

How long will the makowiec last?

The roll will stay fresh at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. If you live in a hot climate, then refrigerate it in an airtight container.

But in reality, how long this poppyseed roll will last depends on how many of your friends are around to taste it. My friends finish off my rolls within the hour, especially around Christmas feasting 😉

Can I make batches of makowiec together and freeze them?

Yes, you can make as many makowiec as you want at a time. Skip the frosting. You can make this fresh for every roll before serving.

Wrap the rolls in cling wrap or saran wrap before freezing them. They’ll last for a few months. When you’re ready for each roll, thaw it to room temperature for a few hours before serving.