Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a super tasty and traditional treat: Ozimtschnecken. If you've never heard of them, you're in for a delightful surprise. Ozimtschnecken are basically sweet, yeasty buns filled with a scrumptious mixture of poppy seeds, butter, and sugar. Trust me; they're as amazing as they sound! This step-by-step guide will walk you through making these little pockets of joy right in your own kitchen.

What are Ozimtschnecken?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk a bit more about what makes Ozimtschnecken so special. Ozimtschnecken (also sometimes called Mohnschnecken, especially in other regions) are a classic pastry that's been enjoyed for generations. Originating from Central and Eastern Europe, these sweet buns are characterized by their spiral shape and rich poppy seed filling. The dough is typically a soft, slightly sweet yeast dough, which, when baked, becomes wonderfully fluffy and tender. What sets Ozimtschnecken apart is undoubtedly the filling. A generous spread of poppy seeds, combined with butter, sugar, and sometimes a hint of vanilla or lemon zest, creates a moist, flavorful paste that complements the dough perfectly. The contrast between the slightly chewy dough and the sweet, nutty filling is what makes Ozimtschnecken an irresistible treat. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, a sweet snack with coffee, or even as a dessert. The beauty of Ozimtschnecken lies in their simplicity and the comforting flavors they offer. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, making Ozimtschnecken is a rewarding experience that will fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goods. Plus, they're always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends or bringing to gatherings. So, grab your apron, and let's get baking! You'll be amazed at how easy and fun it is to create these little spirals of happiness. Get ready to impress everyone with your newfound baking skills!

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's gather our ingredients. This recipe is straightforward, and you probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 250ml milk, lukewarm
• 75g sugar
• 75g butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 packet (7g) dry yeast (or 21g fresh yeast)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 200g poppy seeds, ground
• 100ml milk
• 100g sugar
• 75g butter, melted
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• A splash of milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, now for the fun part! Follow these steps, and you'll have amazing Ozimtschnecken in no time. Don't worry; I'll break it down so it’s super easy to follow.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, let's get that dough going! In a large bowl, mix together the lukewarm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. If you're using fresh yeast, crumble it into the milk and sugar mixture. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast gets foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Next, add the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until it's well combined. Now, gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Once the dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising time is crucial for a light and airy Ozimtschnecken, so be patient! While the dough is rising, you can prepare the poppy seed filling. This step ensures that you're ready to assemble the Ozimtschnecken as soon as the dough is ready.

Step 2: Make the Poppy Seed Filling

While the dough is rising, let's whip up that incredible poppy seed filling. In a saucepan, combine the ground poppy seeds, milk, sugar, and melted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a paste. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the mixture, so keep stirring! Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest (if using) and vanilla extract. Let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the dough for rolling. The filling should be thick enough to spread easily but not too hot to handle. If it becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it up. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness or lemon zest to your liking. Remember, the filling is what gives Ozimtschnecken their unique and delicious flavor, so make sure it's perfect! Once the filling has cooled slightly, set it aside and get ready to assemble your Ozimtschnecken.

Step 3: Assemble the Ozimtschnecken

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the poppy seed filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll. Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Make sure the roll is snug but not too tight, or the filling might squeeze out during baking. Once you have a nice, even log, use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut it into slices about 1-1.5 inches thick. Arrange the slices, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. This allows them to expand during the second rise. Cover the baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel and let the Ozimtschnecken rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise will make them even more light and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake the Ozimtschnecken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the egg wash by whisking together the beaten egg and a splash of milk. Brush the tops of the risen Ozimtschnecken with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent them with aluminum foil. Once they're done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Ozimtschnecken cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy. While they're still warm, you can drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, if desired. Enjoy your freshly baked Ozimtschnecken with a cup of coffee or tea. They're best enjoyed warm, but they're also delicious at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Tips for Perfect Ozimtschnecken

To make sure your Ozimtschnecken turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh yeast and good-quality poppy seeds will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture.
• Don't skip the second rise: This is crucial for a light and airy texture.
• Grind your own poppy seeds: If possible, grind the poppy seeds yourself right before making the filling. This releases more flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your taste.
• Add a glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and makes them even more irresistible.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Nutella Swirl: Spread a layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the poppy seed filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and cinnamon to the filling for a fall-inspired version.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Replace the poppy seed filling with a cream cheese filling for a richer, tangier flavor.
• Raisins: Add some raisins or other dried fruits to the filling for added texture and sweetness.

Enjoy Your Homemade Ozimtschnecken!

There you have it! A complete guide to making delicious homemade Ozimtschnecken. These sweet, poppy seed-filled buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you need a little treat. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and impress your friends and family with your amazing baking skills. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!