Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls

Yields 9 rolls

Lemon Rolls 
1 teaspoons dry active yeast
2 tablespoons (30 ml) barely warm water
2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons (about 1-2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, melted
1 large egg
1/4 cup (60 grams) sour cream
1 1/2 cups (190 grams) bread flour (all purpose will work)

Poppy Seed Filling
6 ounces (170 grams) canned poppy seed filling
1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Honey, for drizzling

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the barely warm water and allow to sit about 5 minutes until activated (looks frothy). Stir in sugar, lemon zest, salt, melted butter, eggs, and sour cream. Gradually add the flour, mixing until it has been incorporated. Cover dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 2 hours. Punch down dough and allow to rise a second time until doubled, about 1 hour.

While the dough is rising for a second time, create the poppy seed filling by mixing together the poppy seed filling, brown sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 9 by 12 inch rectangle. Spread the poppy seed filling on the dough, keeping a 1-inch border around the edges. Starting on the shortest end, roll up the dough into a log shape and press the edges to seal them. Cover the log with plastic wrap, twist the ends tightly, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, or until it firms up. Unwrap the dough and cut the log into 1-inch slices using a sharp serrated knife. Set the rolls into a 9-inch baking pan. Cover and allow to rise until doubled, about 40-50 minutes.

(Alternatively, to make them for the next morning, cover with foil before rising and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow the rolls to warm to room temperature and rise until doubled.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Bake rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. While hot, drizzle the top of the rolls with honey and allow it to soak in. Serve warm or room temperature