📝 About This Recipe
A beloved staple of Slavic tea culture, Bubliki are large, chewy bread rings that bridge the gap between a bagel and a sweet pastry. These golden-brown delights are boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking, resulting in a distinctively glossy crust and a soft, pillowy interior. Infused with a hint of vanilla and traditionally encrusted with poppy seeds, they offer a nostalgic taste of Eastern European street markets and cozy family kitchens.
🥗 Ingredients
The Yeast Starter (Opara)
- 1 cup Warm Milk (between 105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (one standard packet)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar
The Dough
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 large Egg (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (high quality)
The Poaching Liquid & Topping
- 8 cups Water
- 3 tablespoons Honey (adds color and shine)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Poppy Seeds (for coating)
- 1 Egg Yolk (beaten with 1 tsp water for final wash)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly.
-
2
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, the egg, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
-
3
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the large bowl and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
-
4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes (or 5-6 minutes in a mixer) until it is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticks to your hands. It should be firmer than standard bread dough.
-
5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
-
6
Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
-
7
To form the rings, poke a hole through the center of a ball with your thumb and stretch it out until the hole is about 2 inches wide. The ring should be quite large, as it will shrink during baking.
-
8
Place the shaped rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rest for another 20 minutes while you prepare the poaching liquid.
-
9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a wide pot, bring 8 cups of water, the honey, and the baking soda to a gentle boil.
-
10
Carefully drop 2-3 rings into the boiling water at a time. Poach for 45 seconds per side. They should puff up slightly and develop a tacky surface.
-
11
Use a slotted spoon to remove the rings and place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. While still wet, brush with the egg yolk wash and sprinkle generously with poppy seeds.
-
12
Bake in the center of the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach a deep, golden mahogany color.
-
13
Transfer to a wire rack to cool. The crust will be slightly crisp at first but will soften as they cool to the perfect chewy consistency.
💡 Chef's Tips
Do not skip the boiling step; this is what creates the unique 'Bublik' texture and shine. If the dough is too soft, add a tablespoon of flour at a time—Bubliki dough should be sturdy. Use honey in the boiling water rather than just sugar for a superior golden color and floral aroma. To keep them soft for the next day, store them in a sealed plastic bag once they have cooled completely. Avoid over-proofing the shaped rings, or they may collapse when you drop them into the water.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a thick smear of unsalted butter and a dollop of plum or apricot jam. Pair with a hot glass of Russian Caravan tea served in a traditional podstakannik (metal glass holder). Dip them into sweetened condensed milk for a truly decadent dessert experience. Slice them in half and toast lightly, then spread with honey-sweetened farmer's cheese (Tvorog). Enjoy alongside a bowl of fresh berries and a drizzle of sour cream.