Hungarian Beigli – Traditional Poppy Seed & Walnut Rolls

Golden, beautifully swirled, and filled with rich layers of sweet poppy seed or walnut filling, Hungarian Beigli is one of Hungary’s most cherished festive pastries. Traditionally prepared for Christmas and other special occasions, these elegant rolled cakes combine a tender, buttery pastry with a dense, aromatic filling.

The distinctive spiral pattern inside the pastry makes every slice beautiful, while the combination of nuts, poppy seeds, citrus, and spices gives Beigli its unmistakable Hungarian character.

What Is Hungarian Beigli?

Beigli is a traditional Hungarian rolled pastry most commonly filled with either ground poppy seeds (mákos) or ground walnuts (diós).

The pastry is rolled tightly around the filling, then baked until deeply golden. A characteristic feature of properly made Beigli is the marbled or cracked golden surface and the beautiful spiral visible when it is sliced.

Many Hungarian families prepare both versions during the Christmas season so guests can enjoy a choice between the nutty walnut filling and the slightly earthy, aromatic poppy seed filling.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Walnut Filling

• 2 cups (200 g) finely ground walnuts
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup raisins, optional

Poppy Seed Filling

• 2 cups (200 g) finely ground poppy seeds
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup raisins, optional

For the Finish

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 egg white