This recipe uses a stand mixer with a dough hook, for making by hand instructions, see recipe notes. Heat the milk in the microwave until warmed to 110℉. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
1 cup Milk, 2 ¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast
In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and poppy seeds. Add the cubed butter to the flour. Use a pastry kneader or your hands to knead the butter into the flour. The butter should be the size of a pea.
5 cups All-purpose flour, ¼ cup White granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 ½ tablespoon Poppy Seeds, 10 tablespoon Unsalted butter
Add the milk/yeast, lightly beaten eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix on low speed until a dough starts to form. Switch to medium speed and knead for 5 minutes.
2 Large eggs, 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, 3 Large lemons zested
Preheat the oven to 200℉. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the dough into the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and place in the oven. Turn off the oven and crack open the door and let it rise for 1 hour. For overnight instructions and see notes.