Step into the nostalgic and comforting world of Lithuanian holiday baking with Kūčiukai—miniature yeast-leavened Christmas breads filled with the earthy aroma of poppy seeds 🌾. These humble little bites have been gracing Lithuanian Christmas Eve tables for generations, capturing the heart of a centuries-old tradition rooted in simplicity, symbolism, and togetherness. Whether served with poppy seed milk, cranberry kissel, or simply enjoyed on their own, Kūčiukai are more than just a festive snack—they’re a cherished ritual of Kūčios, Lithuania’s traditional Christmas Eve dinner. 🎄

---

🧁 What Are Lithuanian Kūčiukai?

Kūčiukai (also called šližikai) are small, crunchy yeast-raised pastries speckled with poppy seeds. Somewhere between cookies and mini breads, they’re traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve, the most important holiday celebration in Lithuania. These one-bite delights are often soaked in sweetened poppy seed milk, making them soft and fragrant. Symbolically, Kūčiukai are believed to represent the return of longer days—light overcoming darkness—as they’re served during the year’s longest night 🌌. Baked with only a few pantry staples, Kūčiukai reflect the frugality and spirit of Lithuanian ancestors, who valued simple yet meaningful dishes during the solemn, meatless Kūčios supper.

---

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make traditional Kūčiukai, gather these wholesome ingredients:

• 200 g all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 100 ml whole milk (plant-based alternatives work too)
• 25 g poppy seeds 🌱 (or substitute with hemp seeds for a twist)
• 25 g white granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp neutral oil (like sunflower, rapeseed, or vegetable oil)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3.5 g fast-action dried yeast (or ~10 g fresh yeast)

👉 See the recipe card at the bottom for full measurements and instructions!

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk until it reaches about 37–38°C (100°F)—just warmer than body temperature. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, yeast, and oil.

2. Mix the Dough

Add half of the flour and mix well. Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the rest of the flour and poppy seeds. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. It should be a bit sticky—add a touch more flour if needed.

4. Second Rise

Grease a clean bowl with oil, place the dough inside, and cover again. Let it rise until doubled in volume (about 30–45 minutes).

5. Shape the Kūčiukai

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into thin strands (about 0.5 cm / ⅕ inch thick), then cut into small bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on the tray with a little space between each.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the middle of the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet to crisp up perfectly! 🍞✨

---

🎄 How to Serve Kūčiukai

Traditionally, Kūčiukai are served in a bowl of poppy seed milk—a mixture of crushed poppy seeds, sugar, and water. It’s a nostalgic taste that many Lithuanians associate with childhood and the magic of Christmas Eve. They can also be enjoyed:

• With cranberry kissel or fermented oat drink (kisielius)
• As a crunchy snack throughout the holidays
• Gifted in decorative jars for a homemade Lithuanian Christmas treat 🎁

Pro tip: Kūčiukai are best the day they’re baked, but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for later!

---

✨ Recipe Card

Traditional Lithuanian Kūčiukai
Mini Yeast-Leavened Christmas Breads Ingredients:

• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 100 ml milk
• 25 g poppy seeds
• 25 g granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3.5 g fast-action yeast

Instructions:

1. Warm milk to 37–38°C (100°F), then mix with sugar, yeast, and oil.
2. Add half the flour, mix, and let rise for 1 hour.
3. Add remaining flour and poppy seeds. Knead until smooth.
4. Let rise again until doubled in size.
5. Roll dough into thin strands, cut into small pieces.
6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. Cool and enjoy!