🥐 The Hirshon Hungarian Poppy Seed And Walnut Beigli – Mákos És Diós Bejgli 🇭🇺✨

Flaky, golden pastry wrapped around rich poppy seed and walnut fillings — this traditional Hungarian beigli melts in your mouth at the first bite! Simple to make and absolutely irresistible. 🤤

Bejgli (pronounced BAY-glee) is Hungary’s most iconic Christmas pastry — a rolled sweet bread filled with either mákos (poppy seed) or diós (walnut) filling, baked until golden, and sliced into beautiful spirals. It’s the pastry that appears on every Hungarian holiday table, gifted between neighbors, and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. 🇭🇺

What makes beigli special is its texture — the dough is soft, slightly sweet, and rich with butter, while the fillings are dense, nutty, and deeply flavorful. The poppy seed version is dark, earthy, and slightly sweet, while the walnut version is warm, aromatic, and caramel-like. Together, they’re the perfect pair. Every bite genuinely melts in your mouth. I sent it to whoever sent it — Hi 👋🤤

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🛒 Ingredients

For the dough:

• 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) cold butter, cubed 🧈
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks 🥚
• 150 ml (⅔ cup) warm milk 🥛
• 20 g (2 tbsp) fresh yeast (or 7 g / 2¼ tsp active dry yeast)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• Zest of 1 lemon 🍋

For the poppy seed filling (mákos):

• 300 g (2 cups) ground poppy seeds
• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 ml (⅓ cup) warm milk
• 2 tbsp honey 🍯
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of ½ lemon 🍋
• 50 g (¼ cup) raisins (optional)

For the walnut filling (diós):

• 300 g (2 cups) ground walnuts
• 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 ml (⅓ cup) warm milk
• 2 tbsp honey 🍯
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest of ½ orange 🍊

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp milk

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the dough:

1. Activate the yeast — stir it into the warm milk with 1 tsp of the sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg yolks, yeast mixture, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead for 5–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

Make the fillings:

7. Poppy seed filling: Combine the ground poppy seeds, sugar, warm milk, honey, vanilla, lemon zest, and raisins in a bowl. Mix well.
8. Walnut filling: Combine the ground walnuts, sugar, warm milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and orange zest in a bowl. Mix well.

Assemble the beigli:

9. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
10. Roll each piece into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
11. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
12. Roll up tightly from the long side, tucking the ends in.
13. Place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
14. Brush with egg wash and let rest for 30 minutes.
15. Prick the top with a fork or toothpick to let steam escape.

Bake:

16. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
17. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
18. Cool completely before slicing. 🤤

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is beigli?
Beigli is a traditional Hungarian sweet pastry roll filled with poppy seeds or walnuts. It’s the most iconic Hungarian Christmas dessert and is enjoyed year-round.

What’s the difference between mákos and diós beigli?
Mákos beigli is filled with poppy seeds, giving it a dark, earthy, slightly sweet flavor. Diós beigli is filled with walnuts, giving it a warm, nutty, caramel-like flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes — the dough can be made and chilled overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.

Can I use store-bought poppy seed or walnut filling?
Yes — but homemade tastes much better. If using store-bought, adjust the sweetness to taste.

Why did my beigli crack while baking?
The dough was rolled too tightly, or the filling was too moist. Prick the top with a fork before baking to let steam escape.

Can I make beigli gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How long does beigli last?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze beigli?
Yes — freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What do I serve with beigli?
A cup of hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. It’s also traditional to gift beigli to friends and neighbors during the holidays.

Can I make a savory version?
Yes — but beigli is traditionally sweet. For savory, try a cheese or spinach filling.