Norwegian Cinnamon Cardamom Rolls

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast 10g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 250ml (1 cup) milk, lukewarm 250ml (1 cup) milk, lukewarm
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg 1 egg
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened 75g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) brown sugar 100g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 43g, 16g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. 3.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl.
7. 7.
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle shape on a floured surface.
8. 8.
   Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
10. 10.
    Cut the log into equal-sized rolls, approximately 2-3cm thick.
11. 11.
    Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
12. 12.
    Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
13. 13.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. 14.
    Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
15. 15.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — To enhance the flavor, consider grinding whole cardamom pods instead of using pre-ground cardamom. This will provide a fresher and more aromatic taste.
• Active dry yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active. If unsure, proof the yeast by dissolving it in lukewarm milk with a pinch of sugar. If it becomes frothy after 5 minutes, it is active and ready to use.
• Lukewarm milk — The milk should be warm to the touch but not hot. This helps activate the yeast and aids in the dough rising process.
• Butter — Use unsalted butter to have better control over the salt content in the recipe.
• Rolling the dough — When rolling the dough into a rectangle, make sure to apply even pressure to maintain an even thickness throughout.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the rolls once they have cooled slightly.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, increase the amount of ground cardamom in the filling.
• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• To reheat the rolls, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warmed through.
• If you don't have ground cardamom, you can crush cardamom pods and use the seeds instead.

Serving advice

Serve the Norwegian Cinnamon Cardamom Rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Presentation advice

Arrange the rolls on a serving platter or a wooden board, allowing the golden-brown tops to be visible. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complete the presentation.