Polish Poppy Seed Cookies Recipes

POLISH CREAM CHEESE COOKIES

Steps:

• Beat the cream cheese, butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour and salt until combined. Divide the dough between 2 large pieces of plastic wrap. Flatten into 1/2-inch-thick disks and wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350˚. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out 1 disk of dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick, dusting with more flour as needed. Cut out 2 1/2-inch squares using a sharp knife or a 2 1/2-inch square cutter. Lift the cutouts using an offset spatula and arrange 2 inches apart on one of the prepared pans. Gather the scraps and refrigerate.
• Spoon 1 teaspoon preserves onto the center of each cutout. Fold in two opposite corners to overlap in the middle and press down to seal, spreading the preserves slightly. Sprinkle the dough with coarse sugar.
• Bake, rotating the pan halfway through, until the cookies are puffed and the edges are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes on the pan, then remove the cookies to a rack to cool completely.
• Repeat with the other disk of dough, plus the reserved scraps, to make more cookies.

POPPY SEED HUNGARIAN STYLE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
• Combine cream and poppy seeds in a small saucepan. Heat mixture over medium heat until mixture is hot; do not boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir in butter, lemon juice and syrup. Mix well and add cooled poppy seed mixture.
• Drop by small spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

POLISH POPPY SEED CAKE

Steps:

• Place poppy seeds in a small pot, cover with boiling water and set aside for 24 hours.
• Line a colander with a cheesecloth and spoon in the poppy seeds. Allow to drain for several hours. Once drained, transfer to a food processor and process until fine.
• Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup margarine, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and baking powder in a large bowl and knead into a smooth dough.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a deep quarter sheet pan (9x13-inches) and line with parchment paper.
• Roll out dough on a slightly floured surface and place in the prepared sheet pan.
• Combine egg yolks, 9 tablespoons margarine, and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in drained poppy seeds gradually. Add apples, honey, breadcrumbs, walnuts, and raisins and mix well.
• Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form sharp peaks. Fold egg whites into poppy seed mixture; spread over base in sheet pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until cake is set; transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• Mix enough boiling water with confectioner's sugar to form a smooth icing. Spread generously over cooled cake.