Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the milk is warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 packet of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine the dry ingredients.
3. Once the milk mixture has cooled to about 110°F (43°C), add it to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is combined.
4. Add 2 large eggs to the bowl and mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a golf ball.
8. Roll each piece of dough into a ball and then flatten it slightly. Dip one side of each piece into melted butter and then into the poppy seeds, coating them well.
9. In a greased bundt pan or a loaf pan, layer the dough pieces, stacking them on top of each other. Ensure the poppy seed side is facing outward for a beautiful presentation.
10. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
12. Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
13. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack.
14. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Poppy Seed Pull Apart Bread!