Hungarian Walnut and Poppy Seed Rolls (Diós és Mákos Kalács) are cherished traditional pastries enjoyed during Christmas, Easter, and other festive occasions. Made with a rich, buttery yeast dough wrapped around sweet walnut or poppy seed fillings, these beautiful braided rolls are soft, flavorful, and perfect with coffee or tea. Their golden crust and aromatic filling make them a timeless favorite in Hungarian baking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Hungarian holiday bread
• Rich, buttery yeast dough
• Two classic fillings: walnut and poppy seed
• Soft, tender crumb with a golden crust
• Perfect for Christmas, Easter, and family celebrations
• Delicious served fresh or toasted

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) warm milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Walnut Filling (Diós)

• 2 cups (220 g) finely ground walnuts
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

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Poppy Seed Filling (Mákos)

• 2 cups (220 g) ground poppy seeds
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

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Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk