Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 2 ¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 1 tbsp (6g) coarsely ground cardamom pods
  • 4 ½ cups (560g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (6g) coarsely ground cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) water
  • ¼ cup (50g) pearl sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (60ml) boiling water

Instructions:

  1. Combine warm milk and a pinch of sugar; sprinkle yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, crushed cardamom, and the egg. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but doesn't stick to your fingers.
  4. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle (roughly 12x18 inches).