The poppy seed and Golden Delicious apple swirls are soft, individually-sized yeast pastries with a succulent filling. Perfect for breakfast or a snack at any time of the year.
The filling is prepared while the dough rises, as it requires a brief pre-cooking. The apples are diced at the last moment. I used Golden Delicious apples from Val Venosta, which with their sweetness create a harmonious taste that everyone loves.
Try them! They’re also perfect to prepare and freeze!
If you like apples, try these other recipes of mine:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rest time: 2 Hours 20 Minutes
- Preparation time: 35 Minutes
- Portions: 12 swirls
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps instant yeast (approx. 2 teaspoons)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter (soft)
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 pinches salt
- 1/8 cup butter
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 untreated lemon (zest)
- 1 cup poppy seeds (ground)
- 2 Golden Delicious apples (Val Venosta)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- as needed lemon juice
Steps
Place the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and warm milk into the mixing bowl of a stand mixer. Let it run for a couple of minutes, then add the egg and salt. Continue kneading until the mixture pulls away from the bottom and sides of the bowl and clings to the hook. Gradually add the soft, cubed butter, continuing to knead until completely absorbed and the dough is elastic, meaning it has pulled away from the bottom and sides of the bowl and clings to the hook.
Form a ball with the dough, place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, until doubled in size. This will take about 2 hours.
Place the milk, salt, butter, sugar, and the grated zest of half a lemon (previously washed and dried) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring so that the sugar and butter dissolve. Then add the ground poppy seeds and continue cooking over medium heat for a couple of minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Once the dough has doubled in volume, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle approximately 20 x 12 inches.
Spread the poppy seed filling over the entire surface.
Wash and peel the Golden Delicious apples, remove the core, and dice them. Distribute the apple cubes over the poppy seed filling.
Roll up the dough from one long side. Cut the roll into 12 slices using a nylon thread, placing it under the roll and tightening it around to “cut” a slice. This method will yield nice, uniform, round slices. Alternatively, use a very sharp knife for this step.
Place the swirls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, with the cut side facing up. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 20 minutes in a warm place, away from drafts.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (static).
After the resting time, beat the egg yolk with the milk in a small bowl and brush the swirls. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until you obtain a thick, white glaze. Decorate the warm swirls with the sugar glaze and enjoy your poppy seed and Golden Delicious apple swirls warm or cold.
Tip
If you plan to freeze some swirls, do not add the glaze; leave them plain and glaze them after thawing, as the glaze would melt during thawing.
