Kardemommeboller - Norwegian Cardamom Buns

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) whole milk, lukewarm 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, lukewarm
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pearl sugar, for topping Pearl sugar, for topping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 12g
• 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.
   Make a well in the center and pour in the lukewarm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough back into the 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.
   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
8. 8.
   Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each bun.
9. 9.
   Cover the buns with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. 10.
    Sprinkle the buns generously with pearl sugar.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cardamom — To enhance the flavor, lightly crush the cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Grind the seeds using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder for the freshest taste.
• Pearl sugar — If you can't find pearl sugar, you can substitute it with coarse sugar crystals or even granulated sugar. However, the unique texture of pearl sugar adds an extra touch to the buns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a handful of raisins or chopped almonds to the dough before shaping the buns.
• To achieve a glossy finish on the buns, brush them with a beaten egg before baking.
• Serve the Kardemommeboller warm with a dollop of butter or clotted cream for an extra indulgence.
• These buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Kardemommeboller as a delightful breakfast treat or enjoy them as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kardemommeboller on a serving platter, allowing their golden-brown tops to showcase. Sprinkle some additional pearl sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.