Pulla: Finnish Cardamom-Spiced Sweet Buns Recipe

Name: Pulla: Finnish Cardamom-Spiced Sweet Buns
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the dough:; 2 cups 2 tablespoons (5 dl) lukewarm milk (preferably whole milk); 1.8 ounces (50 g) fresh yeast (or alternatively 16 g / 0.6 oz / 1 tbsp + 2 tsp instant active dry yeast); 6.5 ounces (180 g; 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp; 2 dl) granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt; 1 tbsp 1 tsp ground cardamom (preferably freshly ground); 1 egg; 32 - 37 ounces (910 - 1050 g; 13 - 15 dl; 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 cups) bread flour; 6 ounces (170 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; To finish:; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; pearl sugar, to sprinkle

Servings: persons

For the dough:
2 cups 2 tablespoons (5 dl) lukewarm milk (preferably whole milk)
1.8 ounces (50 g) fresh yeast (or alternatively 16 g / 0.6 oz / 1 tbsp + 2 tsp instant active dry yeast)
6.5 ounces (180 g; 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp; 2 dl) granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 tbsp 1 tsp ground cardamom (preferably freshly ground)
1 egg
32 - 37 ounces (910 - 1050 g; 13 - 15 dl; 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 cups) bread flour
6 ounces (170 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
To finish:
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
pearl sugar, to sprinkle

1
In a large mixing bowl (you can make the dough by hand, like me, or in a stand mixer), combine the lukewarm milk and crumbled yeast. [If using active dry yeast, skip this step. Combine the yeast with some flour and add to the warm, 108u00b0F / 42u00b0C, milk mixture before adding the rest of the flour.] Stir with a spoon until the yeast is completely dissolved. Add sugar, salt, cardamom, and egg and mix until combined. Gradually add most of the flour and knead. Add butter and knead until well combined. Continue to knead the dough and gradually add just enough flour so the dough comes clean off the sides of the bowl and doesn't stick to your hand.
2
Don't overwork the dough or you'll end up with hard buns, not soft as we want them to be. Shape into a ball and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it's double in size.
3
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4
Shape the dough into about 16 equally sized buns and place them on the two baking sheets, spacing them about half the diameter of a bun apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for further 30 minutes, or until they're double in size.
5
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 435u00b0F (225u00b0C) .
6
For the egg wash, whisk together the egg and water until combined. Before baking, slightly brush each bun with the egg wash and generously sprinkle them with pearl sugar. Bake the buns on the middle rack for 10 - 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat with the other sheet of buns.
7
Pulla are best eaten still slightly warm, on the same day. However, you can freeze them once baked and warm them up again when ready to serve.

3517

kcal

Calories

Fat

629

Carbs

115

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: For the dough:, 2 cups 2 tablespoons (5 dl) lukewarm milk (preferably whole milk), 1.8 ounces (50 g) fresh yeast (or alternatively 16 g / 0.6 oz / 1 tbsp + 2 tsp instant active dry yeast), 6.5 ounces (180 g; 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp; 2 dl) granulated sugar, and more.

Yes, Pulla: Finnish Cardamom-Spiced Sweet Buns falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pulla: Finnish Cardamom-Spiced Sweet Buns

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions