Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry

This mouthwatering pastry lets the filling shine over the dough, offering a flavor-packed treat. I love its quick and straightforward preparation, without complicated steps or complex fermentation.

The dough perfectly complements the rich filling, making it hard to eat just one piece. Consider freezing a few slices for later. Just thaw a few hours prior to enjoying, they maintain their delicious taste and texture flawlessly!

Ingredients
White flour
550 g
Milk
450 ml
Butter
125 g
softened at room temperature
Bakers yeast
25 g
or 1 tablespoon dry yeast
Egg
2 pieces
plus 1 egg for glaze
Sugar
10 tbsp
plus 10 tbsp for fillings
Poppy seeds
200 g
Chopped walnuts
250 g
Step by step
Step 1

Warm 200ml of milk (don't let it get too hot!) and mix it with yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 1
Step 2

Pour this mixture over the flour in the bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it starts to foam.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 2
Step 3

Add softened butter, 2 eggs, 9 tablespoons of sugar and begin kneading the dough using a spatula or spoon to combine the flour.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 3
Step 4

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 3-5 minutes to achieve an even texture. Add more flour if necessary, or a bit more milk if the dough seems too thick.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 4
Step 5

Divide the dough into 4 pieces and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 5
Step 6

Prepare the fillings during this time:

- Grind poppy seeds thoroughly, using a coffee grinder, and mix with 5 tablespoons of sugar and 125ml of milk until reaching a thick, moist texture that doesn't flow.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 6
Step 7

- Mix ground walnuts with 5 tablespoons of sugar and 125ml of milk. Stir, adding milk if needed for a dense, moist filling that doesn't flow.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 7
Step 8

Flatten each dough piece into a rectangular sheet. Keep one-third of the sheet slightly thicker to prevent cracking during baking (though cracking may still occur).

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 8
Step 9

Each filling portion is adequate for 2 dough sheets. Spread evenly across the sheet and lightly press with a spoon.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 9
Step 10

Roll the dough tightly.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 10
Step 11

Repeat for remaining dough to make 4 rolls. 

Arrange in a baking tray lined with parchment or greased with oil. Brush rolls with beaten egg and let rest for 20-30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 200°C during this time.

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 11
Step 12

Bake for 10 minutes at 200°C, then reduce to 180°C and bake for an additional 30 minutes until well browned.

Let cool completely post-baking. Despite trying various recipes, mine always crack; share any tips if you have them!

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 12
Step 13

Slice and savor the deliciousness.

 Enjoy your meal!

Beigli - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Pastry - Step 13
Quantity: 1 kg (4 rolls)
Prep time:
45 min
Difficulty: intermediate
Ready in: 45 min