Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Twists

This lemon cardamom poppy seed twist recipe brings together bright citrus, warm spices, and crunchy poppy seeds in a soft, buttery sweet roll. The combination creates an impressive breakfast treat that's perfect for special brunches or weekend baking projects.

I first created these twists for a holiday morning breakfast, and they've become our family's most requested special occasion treat. My children now associate the scent of cardamom and lemon with celebration mornings.

Ingredients

• Sweet Roll Dough: Instant yeast provides reliable rise without the wait of active dry yeast
• Whole milk: Creates tender dough with rich flavor
• Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness and activates the yeast
• Room temperature eggs: Ensure proper dough structure and rise
• Softened unsalted butter: Adds richness and tender texture
• Fresh lemon zest: Brightens the dough with natural oils
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet notes
• Cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth that complements the cardamom
• All purpose flour: Provides structure while maintaining softness
• Salt: Enhances flavors and controls yeast activity
• Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Filling: Softened butter creates a spreadable base that melts during baking
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create caramelization
• Fresh lemon zest: Infuses intense citrus flavor
• All purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling during baking
• Ground cardamom: Offers exotic floral warmth
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors
• Poppy seeds: Add pleasant crunch and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Proof the Yeast:

Add instant yeast and a couple teaspoons of sugar to your stand mixer bowl. Pour warmed milk over this mixture and whisk gently. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy and bubbly. This confirms your yeast is active and ready to work. If no foam appears after waiting, discard and start fresh with new yeast.

Create the Dough Base:

Add remaining sugar and softened butter to the proofed yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for about a minute until butter breaks into smaller chunks. Incorporate beaten eggs, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest, mixing until fully combined. The mixture will look slightly curdled at this stage which is completely normal.

Develop the Dough:

Gradually add flour half cup at a time, allowing each addition to incorporate before adding more. Once all flour is added, increase to medium speed and mix until a smooth mass forms. The perfect dough feels soft and slightly sticky but pulls away from the bowl sides. If too sticky, add more flour one tablespoon at a time. Mix for 5 full minutes to develop gluten properly.

Knead and First Rise:

Remove dough and hand knead on a lightly floured surface for 2 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, lightly grease the dough top to prevent drying, and cover with a clean tea towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1½ to 2 hours until doubled in size. Using your oven's warming function set to low provides an ideal environment for rising.

Prepare the Filling:

While dough rises, make the filling by creaming together butter, sugar and lemon zest until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, cardamom and poppy seeds until thoroughly combined. Add flour and mix until smooth and spreadable. This filling can be made ahead and brought to room temperature before using.

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Cardamom is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic years ago during a trip to Scandinavia where cardamom sweet breads are traditional holiday treats. The first time I added it to these lemon twists, my kitchen filled with an aroma so intoxicating that neighbors actually knocked on my door asking what I was baking.

Make Ahead Options

These twists work beautifully as an overnight preparation. Complete all steps through shaping, then cover the shaped twists loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This slow rise actually develops even more flavor complexity in the dough.

Flavor Variations

While lemon and cardamom create a magical pairing, this versatile dough welcomes other flavor combinations. Try orange zest with cinnamon and walnuts for a cozy winter variation. In summer months, lime zest with coconut flakes creates a tropical twist. The basic technique remains the same regardless of your filling choices.

Serving Suggestions

These twists need little adornment, but a light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice drizzled over still-warm twists adds a beautiful finishing touch. Serve alongside fresh berries and coffee for breakfast, or with tea as an afternoon treat. The subtle sweetness makes them appropriate for either occasion.

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Enjoy these twists with the ones you love most—they're worth every step!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know if my yeast is active?

Your yeast is active when it becomes frothy after sitting in warm milk with sugar for 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't foam up, discard and start again with fresh yeast.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling.

→ What if I don't have cardamom?

Cardamom provides a unique flavor, but you could substitute with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, or even ginger for a different but still delicious twist.

→ How do I store these twists?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen twists in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

→ Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you'll need to fully dissolve it in the warm milk before proceeding, and it may take slightly longer to activate.

→ What's the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove just the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the lemon directly over your mixing bowl to capture the aromatic oils.