Pulla - Finnish Sweet Cardamom Bread

Ingredients

Warm milk

1 cup (about 110°f)

Granulated sugar

1/4 cup

Unsalted butter

1/4 cup, melted

Large egg

1, plus 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

Active dry yeast

2 1/4 teaspoons

All-purpose flour

3 1/2 to 4 cups

Ground cardamom

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/2 teaspoon

Pearl sugar

for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk until warm (about 110°F). It should feel comfortably warm to the touch, not hot.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, melted butter, 1 whole egg, ground cardamom, and salt. Stir well to mix all ingredients together.
3. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast, ensuring your bread rises beautifully.
4. Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 1/2 cups, to the mixture, stirring well after each addition until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust with more flour based on the humidity.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
6. Place the 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. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a smooth round bun.
9. Arrange the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. Brush the tops of the buns with the beaten egg yolk for a rich, golden color, and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar for a delightful crunch.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them fresh, toasted with butter, or with a spread of your choice!