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Sweet Bread

Loupáčky – Czech Poppy Seed Crescents

12 servings
Vegetarian Diet, Czech Baking

Introducing the delightful recipe for "Loupáčky", (loupáček sg., loupáčky pl.) a cherished pastry in both the Czech and Slovak Republics. These semi-sweet, yeasty doughs are celebrated for their distinct characteristics: a mildly sweet flavor, a generous sprinkling of poppy seed on top, and their iconic crescent shape. Loupacky are versatile...

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... in their serving options; they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or cocoa, offering a comforting start or sweet touch to any part of the day. For those looking to enhance their experience, these rolls can be savored with preserves, jam, honey, or even transformed into an unconventional PB&J sandwich—a twist that, while not traditional in Czech and Slovak culinary practices, adds a delightful variation to their consumption. Should you find yourself with leftover Loupáčky, don't let them go to waste. Sliced in half, they can be repurposed into scrumptious French toast, giving the rolls a delicious second life. Whether enjoyed in their simplest form or dressed up with sweet accompaniments, Loupáčky are a testament to the rich and comforting flavors of Czech and Slovak baking.

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Tom the Chef Tom the Chef Founder
October 9, 2024
  • 30 min.
  • 3+ h.
  • 3/5
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Ingredients:

Loupáčky dough:

Brushing mixture:

To sprinkle:

* Skip using salt if you are using salted butter

Tools:

Directions:

1. Dough:

1.1. Place into a kitchen mixer with a hook attachment:

4 cups of bread flour
1 TBSP of active dry yeasts
½ cup of granulated sugar
½ TSP of salt

Shortly stir with a hand whisk just enough to combine all ingredients (about 1 minute).

1.2. Add:

1 ¼ cups of lukewarm milk
2 eggs
1 stick of butter

Knead on low speed until all ingredients are partially incorporated (about 1 – 2 minutes).

1.3.

Then increase the speed to medium-high and knead until all ingredients are fully combined and the dough is formed (about 3 – 4 minutes).

2. Rising the dough:

2.1.

Remove the bowl from the kitchen mixer and cover with plastic wrap or a plate.

2.2.

Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled or tripled in size (about 1 – 2 ½ hours).

3. Pre-shape the dough into compact balls:

3.1. Place the dough on a surface without flour and separate into 3 even pieces, about 15 OZ each, using a bowl scrape or knife.

Note:
You can just eyeball it, or feel free to use a scale if you want to.

3.2.

Form each piece of dough into compact dough balls with your hands or a bowl scraper.

4. Shape the loupáčky:

Before you proceed:

  • Shape loupáčky one by one on a surface that does NOT have.
  • Since the dough includes butter, it will not stick to the surface. If it occasionally does, use your bowl scraper to release the dough.
  • Make sure that the surface is perfectly clean (no residue of food, ingredients, etc.).

4.1.

Using a rolling pin, flatten each piece of dough into a circle about ¼” or less in thickness (it doesn’t need to be a perfect circle).

4.2.

Then, cut each circle into 4 even triangles using a knife or pizza cutter.

4.3.

Then, using your hands, roll the dough into a roll shape:

4.3.1.

Optional step before rolling: Flatten the triangle with a rolling pin before proceeding. This step is optional since the dough was previously flattened, but it can be beneficial to obtain even longer and potentially even triangles.

Loupacek - steps -02

4.3.2. Gently roll the triangle into a loupáček (roll shape). Start working from the wider side.

Notes:

  • All loupáčky should have approximately the same thickness to provide you with the same baking time.
  • Ideal thickness of freshly formed loupáčky is about ¾” to 1” at the thickest point (this is just recommended; you can select the thickness that you prefer – just be prepared to adjust the baking time).
  • The length of loupáčky will not have a significant impact on the baking time, so if some are longer than others, it will not have any impact.
Loupacek - steps -03Loupacek - steps -04Loupacek - steps -05Loupacek - steps -06Loupacek - steps -07Loupacek - steps -08

4.3.4.

Bent into a crescent shape and gently place on a baking sheet

Loupacek - steps -09

4.3.5.

Repeat with the remaining dough balls.

5. Proofing:

5.1.

Prepare a brushing mixture by briefly hand-whisking 1 egg with ¼ cup of milk in a measuring pitcher (for whisking, you can also use a high-quality silicone brush) to create a brushing mixture, and then brush all the loupáčky (keep the rest for the brushing mixture for the second brushing).

Loupacek - steps -10Loupacek - steps -11

5.2. Then let it proof in a warm place until it has about doubled in size – it doesn’t need to be exact (usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour).

Important:
Watch carefully to prevent over-proofing.

6. Set oven to preheat to 380°F.

7. Baking:

7.1.

Gently brush all the loupáčky with the remaining brushing mixture again and sprinkle with poppy seeds right before baking (when proofing to the final shape is completed).

7.2.

Bake in a preheated oven until a nice and rich golden color is reached, which means the rolls are done (about 15 -20 minutes). Rotate the baking sheets in the middle of baking.

7.3.

Test with a toothpick.

7.4.

Let at least partly cool on the baking sheet or use a cooling grate for faster cooling.

Tips

  • You can increase the rising time for up to four hours based on your convenience.
  • Fully cooled loupáčky can be frozen (they stay great in the freezer for up to a half year). Defrost in only two hours on the countertop.

Loupáčky: A Taste of Czech Tradition

Detailed information for readers.

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Loupáčky: Get Ready to Fall in Love with Czech Poppy Seed Crescents!

Forget croissants! Move over, cinnamon rolls! There’s a new pastry in town, and it’s here to steal your heart (and your breakfast). Meet Loupáčky (Czech poppy seed crescents), the Czech treat that’s so good, it deserves its own parade.

Imagine this: a pillowy soft, slightly sweet roll, generously dusted with poppy seeds, and shaped like a crescent moon. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, a warm fuzzy blanket for your soul. Okay, maybe we’re getting a bit carried away, but trust us, these Czech poppy seed crescents are seriously addictive.

Why are these Czech poppy seed crescents so special?

Well, for starters, they have a fascinating history. These crescent-shaped wonders, known as Loupáčky in Czech, have been a staple in Czech and Slovak cuisine for centuries, passed down through generations like a treasured family heirloom. They’re more than just a pastry; they’re a symbol of tradition, comfort, and pure deliciousness.

But let’s be real, the real magic of these Czech poppy seed crescents lies in the taste. That perfect balance of sweetness, the subtle nuttiness from the poppy seeds, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture… it’s enough to make you want to book a one-way ticket to Prague.

The Loupáčky Adventure: A Baker’s Tale

Making Loupáčky (Czech poppy seed crescents) is like embarking on a culinary adventure. You’ll get your hands dirty (literally!), knead some dough, and witness the magic of yeast in action. Don’t worry, though, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Even if you’re a baking newbie, this recipe is totally doable.

Think of it as a fun science experiment, but with a delicious reward at the end. You’ll get to play with flour, milk, and eggs, and transform them into golden brown crescents that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery.

But wait, there’s more!

Loupáčky (Czech poppy seed crescents) are not just a breakfast treat. They’re incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, slather them with butter and jam, or even dip them in your coffee (don’t judge until you’ve tried it!).

Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, which means you can bake a big batch and enjoy these little pockets of happiness whenever your heart desires. Talk about a win-win!

Ready to give Loupáčky (Czech poppy seed crescents) a try? Head over to our recipe section (link above!) and get ready to experience the taste of Czech tradition. Warning: you might just fall head over heels for these irresistible crescents.

P.S. Don’t forget to share your Loupáčky creations with us! We’d love to see your baking masterpieces.

Keywords: Loupáčky, Czech poppy seed crescents, Czech pastry, Czech baking, yeast dough, poppy seed rolls, traditional Czech recipe, easy baking recipe, fun baking, loupáček, makovka, Czech food, baking adventure

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About the Author:
Tom the ChefFounder
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