Description
Soft, buttery, and fragrant, these Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Twists are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls. The combination of zesty lemon, warm cardamom, and nutty poppy seeds creates a pastry that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for brunch, tea, or dessert.
Ingredients
Sweet Roll Dough:
1 package instant yeast
1 cup whole milk
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of cinnamon
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Filling:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tbsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp poppy seeds
Egg Wash:
1 egg
1 tsp milk
Pinch of sugar
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast with a couple teaspoons of sugar and warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Mix on low until combined.
- Gradually add flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing until dough forms a smooth, slightly sticky mass. Knead for 5 minutes, then by hand for 2 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1½–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by creaming together butter, sugar, and lemon zest until fluffy. Add vanilla, cardamom, poppy seeds, and flour. Mix until smooth.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll into a large rectangle. Spread filling evenly, fold in half lengthwise, and cut into long strips.
- Twist each strip gently into spirals or braids and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Whisk together the egg, milk, and sugar for the egg wash and brush over each twist.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Drizzle with lemon glaze for extra brightness.
Use orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer flavor.
Replace part of the butter with cream cheese for a richer filling.
Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pastry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 twist
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
