Elegant Poppy Seed Bread Rolls (Bread Machine Dough)
Sneak Preview: These light and airy poppy seed yeast rolls have a touch of sweetness and are dairy-free and egg-free. Use your bread machine’s DOUGH cycle to mix and knead the dough, then shape and bake these delightful rolls in your oven. Perfect for dinner rolls or party sliders.
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If you’re a fan of poppy seeds, these Poppy Seed Bread Rolls are a must-try. They’re simple to make, with no filling or fancy shaping—just delicious, slightly sweet rolls speckled with poppy seeds. Enjoy them with lemon curd or your favorite preserves.
What Makes These Rolls Worth Sharing:
- Simple Preparation: No complex shaping or fillings—just straightforward, delicious rolls.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for dinner rolls or as buns for ham and cheese sliders.
- Dietary-Friendly: Dairy-free and egg-free, accommodating various dietary needs.
- Bread Machine Convenience: Let the bread machine handle the mixing and kneading.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- WATER:
- Use tap, filtered, or spring water. No need to warm it; the bread machine will handle that.
- VEGETABLE OIL:
- My favorite is avocado oil.
- Can substitute with other neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil.
- EXTRACTS:
- The cake batter extract is the secret ingredient to the extraordinary flavor. Almond and vanilla extract round out the flavor
- If cake batter extract is unavailable, look for butternut (or leave out).
- (If you’re worried about buying a whole bottle for one recipe, this extract is also used in my Hawaiian bread (so yummy!).
- SALT:
- Use table or sea salt–important for the yeast to work right.
- If using kosher salt, add an extra ¼ teaspoon.
- SUGAR:
- Use granulated sugar.
- Aids in browning and texture.
- POPPY SEEDS:
- Provide texture and a nutty flavor.
- Store them in the freezer to prolong freshness.
- BREAD FLOUR:
- Gives structure to the rolls and makes them slightly chewy.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted for a more delicate texture.
- YEAST:
- Use bread machine, or instant yeast for best results. (It’s the easiest.)
- Active dry yeast can be substituted. (Add ¼ teaspoon more.)
Step-by-Step to Making These Rolls With a Bread Machine
1. Add ingredients to the bread machine pan
Place water, oil, extracts, salt, sugar, poppy seeds, flour, and yeast into the pan in the order listed.
2. Start the DOUGH cycle and press START
Let the bread machine begin mixing and kneading.
3. Check the dough within the first minute
Make sure the paddles are engaged and the dough is starting to come together.
4. Check again after 15–18 minutes
Dough should stick to the sides briefly, then pull away cleanly. Adjust with flour or water as needed.
5. Let the cycle finish completely
Dough should be soft, smooth, and doubled in size.
6. Divide and shape the dough into 16 rolls
Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
7. Place rolls in a greased 9-inch square pan
Leave a little space between each roll to allow room to rise.
8. Cover and let rise until nearly doubled
This usually takes 30–45 minutes in a warm kitchen.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes
Bake until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool slightly and serve warm
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Shared and Loved
“I made your Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls recipe this morning. Oh my. They are soooo delicious. I followed your recipe to the tee. The extracts, especially the Cake Batter extract, truly shine through. I cannot say enough of how wonderful this recipe is. “—JOAN G.
Elegant Poppy Seed Bread Rolls (Bread Machine Dough)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) water (cool)
- ¼ cup (48 g) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cake batter extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon table or salt
- 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
- 2 teaspoons bread machine or instant yeast
Instructions
Bread Machine Dough
- Place ingredients in the order listed into a bread machine: 1 cup (227 g) water (cool), ¼ cup (48 g) vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cake batter extract, ½ teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon table or salt, 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar, 1½ tablespoons poppy seeds, 3 cups (360 g) bread flour, and 2 teaspoons bread machine or instant yeast
- Select the DOUGH cycle and press START.
Check the Dough Twice:
- First Peek (1 Minute In): Lift the lid to ensure the paddle(s) are moving and the dough is starting to clump.
- Second Peek (15–18 Minutes In): The dough should stick to the sides, then pull away cleanly.If it sticks without releasing, add 1 spoonful of flour at a time until it holds its shape. If it’s too dry (bouncing around or riding the paddle), add 1 spoonful of water at a time until it sticks briefly to the sides before releasing. Wait 1–2 minutes between additions to let the dough adjust.
- Let the cycle finish completely. Dough should be soft, smooth, and doubled in size.
Shaping the dough:
- Divide and shape the dough into 16 rolls. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
- Place rolls in a greased 9-inch square pan Leave a little space between each roll to allow room to rise.
- Cover and let rise until nearly doubledThis usually takes 30–45 minutes in a warm kitchen.
Bake and Cool
- Preheat oven to 375˚F (180˚C).
- Bake rolls for 11-14 minutes until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 190˚F (88˚C).
- Cool slightly and serve warm Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well.Let rolls sit on the counter for about 5 minutes. Then turn out onto a towel or plate. Flip upright onto a serving plate or tear apart and pile into a serving basket.
Notes
- Add ingredients to the mixer bowl in the listed order.
- Mix on low speed until everything is moistened.
- Switch to the dough hook and increase speed to 2 or 3.
- Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic (about 5–10 minutes).
- Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
- Gently deflate, shape, and bake as directed.
- In a large bowl, mix ingredients until you have a shaggy dough.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (10–20 minutes, depending on experience).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQs:
- Can I make these rolls without a bread machine?
- Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand or using a stand mixer. See recipe notes for details.
- Can I make the dough for these rolls a day ahead of time? hat can I substitute for cake batter extract?
- Yes. After the DOUGH cycle finishes, place the dough in the refrigerator overnight. The following day, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it warm slightly, then shape the balls and let them rise until puffy and almost double their original size. Bake them as directed in the recipe. cake batter extract is unavailable, use a combination of vanilla and almond extracts.
- How should I store leftover rolls?
- Store cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts:
These homemade poppy seed rolls are a delightful addition to any meal. They offer a light and airy texture with a hint of sweetness. Using your bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy these treats with minimal effort.
p.s. If you can’t find the cake batter extract, try lemon extract or lemon juice + a teaspoon of lemon zest. I’m a sucker for lemon-poppy-seed-anything.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.