Cardamom Buns

 For this recipe you're going to want to buy decorticated cardamom, which is cardamom seeds that have been removed from the shells. Like these
​Grind the seeds yourself in a blender, pestle and mortar or spice mill.  The blender is easiest.
You don't want to create a fine powder, you'll want a few larger pieces for texture and a bit of a bite.

ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500 grams) all purpose flour or bread flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp.salt
• 1 tbsp. (7 grams) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (365 grams) skim milk, room temperature
• 4 tbsp (57 grams) softened, room temperature unsalted butter

For the Filling:

• 1 stick (113 grams) softened room, temperature unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) light brown sugar
•  Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 4 tsp. (8 grams) finely ground cardamom seeds
• 1/4 tsp.salt

For the Topping:

• 1 egg beaten
• 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 tsp. (8 grams) finely ground cardamom seeds

instructions

For the Dough:

In a bowl, mix the active dry yeast into the warm milk and let bloom for 5 to 10 minutes.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.  Add in the milk and yeast mixture and the softened butter. Mix on low speed until incorporated.
Increase speed to medium and mix for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes a soft and smooth dough.
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm environment for 1-2 hours, until doubled in size.

For the Filling:

• Preheat oven to 400F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper.
• Combine all ingredients in a bowl and use a fork to mix until smooth.
• Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to a 20″ x 16″ rectangle.
• Spread the filling evenly over half of the surface lengthwise. Fold the dough in half so the bland side covers over the filling. The length should be around 20″ long x 8″ wide.
• Slice lengthwise into 12-16 equal-sized strips (depending on how large you want to make the cardamom buns). Use a pizza cutter if you have one. This makes it very easy.
• Wrap each strip around your "peace sign" fingers 2 times, then cross over the center (in-between your fingers) and tuck the end underneath. Place on the prepared baking pans 3-4″ apart.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap to rise on the counter for 1 hour.

For the Topping:

• Combine the ground cardamom and sugar in a small bowl. Mix well.
• Brush each bun with the beaten egg, then garnish generously with the cardamom-sugar.
• Bake in the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking, until deeply golden on top.
• Let cool at least 10 minutes before enjoying warm!

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