Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Twists (Print Version)

Buttery sweet roll dough twisted with zesty lemon, aromatic cardamom and crunchy poppy seeds for a delightful treat.

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet Roll Dough

01 - 1 package instant yeast
02 - 1 cup whole milk
03 - 2/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 eggs, room temperature
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest
07 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of cinnamon
09 - 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
10 - 1 tsp salt

→ Lemon Cardamom Poppy Seed Filling

11 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
13 - 2 tbsp lemon zest
14 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1 1/2 tbsp ground cardamom
16 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
17 - 2 tbsp poppy seeds

→ Egg Wash

18 - 1 egg
19 - 1 tsp milk
20 - Pinch of sugar

# Instructions:

01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast with a couple teaspoons of sugar. Pour warmed milk over the mixture and lightly whisk. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, which indicates active yeast. If not frothy, discard and start over with fresh yeast.
02 - Add the remaining sugar and softened butter to the proofed yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for about one minute until the butter breaks into chunks. Add beaten eggs, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
03 - Gradually add flour 1/2 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 dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not adhering to the sides of the bowl. Add more flour if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.
04 - After mixing for 5 minutes, remove the dough and knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for an additional 2 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, lightly grease the top of the dough, and cover with a dry tea towel. Allow to rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or until doubled in size.
05 - In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and lemon zest until pale and fluffy. Beat in vanilla, cardamom, and poppy seeds until well combined. Add flour and mix until incorporated. Set aside until ready to use.

# Notes:

01 - For optimal rising, use your oven's warming function on low setting, or preheat to 95°C (200°F), then turn off and place dough inside to utilize the residual heat.