Easy Cardamom Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm whole milk , 110 degrees F (43 degrees C
• 1 cup white sugar , divided
• 0.33 cups warm water , 110 degrees F (43 degrees C
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 package active dry yeast , .25 ounce
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour , or as needed
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cardamom
• 0.5 cups melted butter
• 0.5 cups raisins , Optional
• 0.5 cups chopped walnuts , Optional
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 0.5 cups sliced almonds
• 0.25 cups pearl sugar

Instructions

1. 1

   Whisk together warm milk, 1/2 cup sugar, warm water, and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the top and set aside for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Once yeast is foamy, stir in flour, adding more as needed to form a stiff dough. When dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place into an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

3. 3

   Combine remaining 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl; set aside.

4. 4

   Deflate dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 9x13-inch rectangle and brush with 1/2 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with cardamom-sugar mixture, raisins, and walnuts. Roll into a log, pinch the edges closed, and place onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.

5. 5

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

6. 6

   Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of the roll with V-shapes that don't quite meet in the middle, the whole length of the roll. This will give the bread an attractive braided appearance, but can be skipped.

7. 7

   Beat egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until well combined; brush over the top of bread. Sprinkle with almonds and pearl sugar.

8. 8

   Bake in the preheated oven until bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.