Finnish Cardamom Braids (Pulla)

Slightly-sweet, cardamom-spiced pulla sprinkled with specialty pearl sugar is one of Finland's most popular foods and is eaten daily with coffee or tea.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 217 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 4 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 1 ½ cups lukewarm milk
• 2 large eggs, well beaten
• 5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 tablespoons brewed coffee, or as needed
• 2 tablespoons Swedish pearl sugar

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 2

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for a few minutes.

Step 3

Mix milk, 1 cup sugar, melted margarine, eggs, and cardamom together in a bowl until well combined. Add 1 1/2 cups flour and the yeast-water mixture; mix until well combined. Add remaining 3 1/2 cups flour and mix well.

Step 4

Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 5

Divide dough into 9 equal balls; roll each ball into a rope. Braid 3 ropes together; repeat twice more so you have 3 braided loaves.

Step 6

Put braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet. Brush with coffee and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Let rise for about 1 hour.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.