Mini nut and poppy seed cakes

Goodies for Carolers: Walnut and Poppy Seed Sweet Bread

Walnut and poppy seed sweet bread is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition, a symbol of the holidays and family moments. These mini sweet breads are perfect to be offered to carolers or to complement festive meals. With a fluffy dough and rich fillings, this recipe will take you on a journey full of flavors and memories.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini sweet breads

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 900 g flour
- 300 g margarine
- 3 eggs
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 cup of milk

For the filling:
- 500 g ground walnuts
- 300 g sugar (for filling)
- 5 egg whites
- 250 g poppy seeds
- 100 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for poppy seeds)

Let's get started!

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, start by rubbing the margarine with the flour. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough. Add the eggs, sugar, and yeast dissolved in a little warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This is the perfect time to put on your gloves and knead the dough with passion. Once you have obtained an elastic dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in warmth for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the fillings
During this time, prepare the fillings. In a clean bowl, beat the 5 egg whites until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuously mixing until you achieve a firm meringue. Then, carefully incorporate the ground walnuts using a spatula, so as not to lose volume.

For the poppy seed filling, grind the poppy seeds (if you don't already have ground poppy seeds) and add them to a pot along with the milk and the 5 tablespoons of sugar. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the composition thickens. Then, let it cool.

3. Forming the mini sweet breads
After the dough has risen, knead it again to homogenize. Divide it into 12 equal balls. Each ball will be transformed into a thin sheet, so take one ball and roll it out on a floured surface.

On each sheet, add the walnut filling or the poppy seed filling, depending on your preferences. You can use half a sheet for each filling, or mix them! Carefully twist the sheet to form a roll and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Baking
After you have formed all the sweet breads, brush them with a beaten egg yolk for a golden and shiny crust. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray inside. Bake the mini sweet breads for about 40 minutes, checking them with a toothpick to ensure they are completely baked.

5. Serving
Once the mini sweet breads are ready, let them cool slightly before enjoying them. They are delicious both warm and at room temperature.

Serving suggestion: You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a festive look or serve them alongside a cup of fragrant tea or hot chocolate, turning them into a true treat.

Useful tips:
- If you want an even more intense flavor, you can add cinnamon to the walnut filling.
- Instead of margarine, you can use butter for a richer taste.
- If you want to try a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with applesauce or banana puree and use dairy-free margarine.

Nutritional benefits:
Walnut sweet breads are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats due to the walnuts, and poppy seeds are rich in calcium and minerals. Although they are a dessert, moderate consumption can provide important nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of fillings?
Of course! You can try fillings with chocolate, jam, or dried fruits. Be creative!
- How long do the sweet breads last?
They keep well in airtight containers for 3-4 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

Now that you have learned how to prepare these mini walnut and poppy seed sweet breads, all that’s left is to enjoy the aroma of the holidays and share your goodies with loved ones. It is a simple recipe, but with a delicious impact, perfect for bringing smiles and warmth into our homes. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 900 g flour, 300 g margarine, 3 eggs, 50 g yeast, 8 tablespoons sugar, 1 cup milk. For the filling: 500 g ground walnuts, 300 g sugar, egg whites, 250 g poppy seeds, 100 ml milk, 5 tablespoons sugar.

 Tags:  mini cakes with walnut and poppy seeds mini sweet breads nut mac sweet bread poppy rolls goodies for carolers