The Hirshon Hungarian Poppy Seed and Walnut Beigli – Mákos És Diós Bejgli

Beigli is one of Hungary’s most treasured Christmas pastries: a tender, lightly sweet yeast dough rolled around a rich filling of poppy seeds or walnuts. The finished rolls are sliced into beautiful spirals, making them as impressive on a holiday table as they are delicious.

Traditionally, Hungarian families often prepare both versions—Mákos Bejgli with poppy seeds and Diós Bejgli with walnuts. 🇭🇺🎄

🥐 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200 g (14 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 20 g fresh yeast or 7 g active dry yeast
• 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) lukewarm milk
• 1 egg for brushing
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Poppy Seed Filling

• 250 g (about 2½ cups) finely ground poppy seeds
• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
• 50 g raisins
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons honey, optional

Walnut Filling

• 250 g (about 2½ cups) finely ground walnuts
• 120 g (½–⅔ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
• 50 g raisins
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons honey, optional