Cardamom buns

Ingredients

• 1 kg plain white flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ dl sugar
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 pack yeast
• 6 dl whole milk
• 150 g butter
• 1 x egg

Optional:

• 1 handful raisins
• 1 handful chocolate chips

Method

1. Warm milk to about 37 degrees and mix in the yeast. Let it stand for approx 10 min until small bubbles form.
2. Melt the butter and let it cool to about room temperature (can also just be left out until soft).
3. Mix all the dry ingredients together.
4. Slowly combine the milk with the dry ingredients and mix for about 10 min (with a wooden spoon or similar - if you have a stand mixer repeat the above but use colder/room temperature milk).
5. After 10 min add in slowly add in the butter, approx 25 g at a time. Mix well in between (this gets a bit messy if done by hand, so you can add the milk and butter at the same time to save time).
6. Keep kneading the dough for about 15 minutes. Add more flour if needed (but not too much - just so it does not stick to surfaces/fingers). The dough is ready when it can be stretched without tearing.
7. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours (until doubled) - ie. in front of a radiator.
8. Divide the dough into equal lumps (approx 20) and roll into buns. You can add raisins/chocolate chips at this stage if you want. Place on a baking tray covered in parchment paper and rest for another 30-60 min.
9. Paint the top of the buns with a whisked egg and preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
10. Bake buns for 8-11 mins (until top is dark-ish brown) and let rest for another 5 mins. Enjoy!