Kučiukai -- Lithuanian poppyseed Cakes for Christmas and New Year

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with a similar texture.

rum

🥗Healthier: apple juice

💰Cheaper: white grape juice

Apple juice adds sweetness without alcohol.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener that can enhance flavor.

dried fruits

🥗Healthier: fresh fruits

💰Cheaper: canned fruits

Fresh fruits can be used for a lighter version.

Warm the milk until slightly warm to the touch.

Dissolve a spoonful of sugar in the warm milk and add the yeast.

Let the yeast activate for about 10 minutes.

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, poppy seeds, and salt.

Pour in the activated yeast mixture and start mixing with a spoon.

Once wet lumps form, switch to hand kneading the dough.

If necessary, add more water to fully form the dough.

Let the dough rise for about 1 hour in a warm water bath or a barely heated oven.

After an hour, knead the dough again on a lightly floured board.

Take pieces of dough, roll them into snakes, and then flatten and cut them into pieces.

Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet.

Brush the pieces with a mixture of approximately 1 egg and equal parts milk (optional).

Bake at 200°C (about 400°F) until nicely browned, approximately 30 minutes.

Taste test the cakes plain and after soaking in poppy seed milk.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens