Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Pearl sugar (for topping, optional)
Instructions:
Heat the Milk and Butter:
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Remove from heat and let it cool until it’s warm but not hot to the touch.
Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar in the warm milk mixture. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Buns:
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it slightly into a disc shape.
Fill and Roll the Buns:
Place a small amount of filling (such as cinnamon sugar or almond paste) in the center of each dough disc. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch them together to seal.
Second Rise:
Place the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush with Egg Wash:
Once the buns have risen, brush them with beaten egg wash. This will give them a shiny golden finish.
Bake:
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Optional Topping:
If desired, sprinkle the warm buns with pearl sugar immediately after removing them from the oven.
Cool and Serve:
Let the buns cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea!
These Swedish Cardamom Buns are wonderfully aromatic and delicious, perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Enjoy!