Skip to main content

Poppy Seed Filling

Image may contain Pastry Food Dessert Food Presentation Bread Plate Meal and Dish
Photograph by Isa Zapata.  Food styling by Susan Ottaviano.  Prop Styling by Maeve Sheridan

Honey and sugar mellow the natural bitterness of poppy seeds. For the hamantaschen recipe, see here.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes enough for about 32 cookies Servings

Ingredients

1 cup poppy seeds
½ cup honey
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Special Equipment

A spice mill or a mortar and a pestle

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Finely grind poppy seeds in spice mill. Transfer to a medium saucepan and add honey, milk, lemon juice, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, until thickened and a spatula holds a trail when dragged across bottom of pan, about 4 minutes; stir in vanilla. Let cool.

    Step 2

    Do ahead: Filling can be made 4 days ahead. Cover and chill.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Fontina and fried shallots make this diner-style omelet perfectly acceptable dinner fare.