Some scents have the power to transport you. For me, the warm, complex aroma of cardamom takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Growing up, her kitchen was a place of warmth, flour-dusted countertops, and the kind of magic that can only be found in a well-loved cookbook. This recipe for spiced cardamom buns isn’t just about the bread; it’s about recapturing that feeling of comfort and nostalgia with every soft, fragrant bite.
The secret to these buns lies in the balance of spices. Instead of overpowering the dough with cinnamon, we let the subtle, citrusy-floral notes of freshly ground cardamom take center stage. The result is a pastry that feels both familiar and entirely special—perfect for a rainy afternoon or a cozy Sunday brunch.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cardamom, plus ½ tsp for the filling
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter, for the filling
- 1 egg yolk, for egg wash
The magic in the details
- Activate the yeast. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of the sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Combine the wet ingredients. Add the remaining sugar, beaten egg, and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and the 2 teaspoons of cardamom. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the filling. While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar and the remaining ½ teaspoon of cardamom.
- Roll and fill. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Brush the surface with the melted butter and sprinkle the brown sugar and cardamom mixture evenly over the top.
- Shape the buns. Roll the rectangle tightly into a log, starting from the long side. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Second rise. Cover the baking dish and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the buns with an egg wash made from the egg yolk and a splash of water. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before enjoying.