CARDAMOM BUNS
TOTAL TIME: 2H
Cardamom buns, a Scandinavian delight, combine soft dough with the warm essence of ground cardamom. These golden swirls looks like beautiful little roses, are a comforting treat, perfect for fika – Sweden's coffee break tradition. With a balance of gentle spice and sweetness, they create moments of coziness and togetherness. Enjoy the magic of cardamom buns and let their aroma transport you to Nordic kitchens.
1. MIX THE INGREDIENTS
When adding the ingredients, ensure that the milk is lukewarm, but not warmer than that. You can check the temperature by placing your finger in the milk. If it feels room temperature and not hot, it is at the desired temperature. Add the butter last to get a more elastic dough.
2. DO A GLUTEN TEST
Knead the dough for a good 10 min to make sure gluten threads has formed. To ensure that the dough has achieved the desired consistency and the gluten strands have developed properly, do a gluten test. Take a small portion of the dough and gently stretch it. The dough should exhibit elasticity, appearing thin and fine. You should be able to pull the dough without it breaking. If the dough does break, it indicates that further development is needed. Place the dough back in the mixer (or by hand) and work it for an additional minute to enhance gluten formation.
3. CUT THE DOUGH IN TO STRIPS
Roll out the dough into a large rectangle shape approximately 55cm x 35cm. Spread the filling evenly across the dough. Fold the dough in half and proceed to cut it into 20 equal pieces. Begin by cutting it in the middle, then continue cutting each half into 10 equal-sized pieces.
4. PULL AND TWIST
Gently pull the strip out and twist each end in opposite direction. Do this until the whole strip is twisted.
5. ROLL IT UP
Take on end of the twisted strip and roll it up towards the other end until it is completly rolled up to a nice twisted roll! When done it should look like a small rose.
6. LET THE BUNS REST & RISE
Cover the buns with a clean tea towel and allow them to rise for 1-2 hours. The rising time may vary depending on the temperature in your kitchen. Warmer temperatures will require a shorter rise, while cooler temperatures may require a bit more time. The buns are ready when they have nearly doubled in size.
For an accelerated bun rising process, try this technique: 1. Place the buns inside a cold oven. 2. Position a small bowl containing one (1) cup of boiling water at the bottom of the oven. 3. Close the oven door to seal it shut. This method creates a warm, humid environment, which facilitates quicker and more efficient bun rising.
7. BAKE
Whisk the egg with a little water and a pinch of salt to ensure the egg dissolves smoothly, preventing any lumps on our buns. Lightly brush the buns with the egg mixture, taking care not to apply too much pressure. Place the buns in the middle of a conventional oven at 225°C or a fan-forced oven at 200°C. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until the buns turn golden in color.
Remember to monitor the buns closely to prevent them from burning!
8. GLAZE BUNS WITH SUGAR SYRUP AND SPRINKLE CARDAMOM SUGAR
This step will make your buns last longer with a nice shine, The sugar syrup will help capture the moisture of the buns, keeping them nice and soft for a longer period.
When the buns comes out of the oven, brush them with the sugar syrup and then sprinkle over the cardamom sugar.