Inspired by the innovative approach of a local Danish bakery, these cardamom buns are crafted with a unique twist—baked in a muffin tin to achieve a perfectly shaped, moist, and flavorful treat. The blend of aromatic cardamom and cinnamon wrapped in a soft, buttery dough creates an irresistible pastry that captures the essence of Danish baking. This recipe takes the traditional cardamom bun and elevates it with a technique that not only enhances its visual appeal but also its texture and taste.
Why You’ll Love This: These Danish-style cardamom buns offer a rich and aromatic flavor profile that makes them a standout treat. The use of a muffin tin for baking ensures that each bun is uniformly shaped with a delightful softness that is both visually appealing and satisfying to bite into. The combination of ground cardamom and cinnamon infuses the buns with a warm, spicy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the sweet, glossy simple syrup topping. Each bun is a small piece of pastry heaven that promises to delight your senses.
Perfect Occasion: These cardamom buns are perfect for a variety of settings, whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, or simply want to treat yourself to a sweet snack. They are particularly fitting for festive occasions and holiday mornings, offering a special touch to your culinary celebrations. Serve them fresh from the oven to impress your guests, or savor them as a luxurious weekend breakfast.
Decoration Tips: After baking, while the buns are still warm, generously brush them with simple syrup to add a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle some crushed cardamom pods on top or a little powdered sugar. If serving at a gathering, consider arranging them on a tiered cake stand draped with a decorative napkin to enhance their visual appeal and make them even more inviting.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 550 grams of all-purpose flour
- 200 ml of lukewarm whole milk
- 2 eggs (approximately 100 grams without the shell)
- 100 grams of room temperature butter
- 40 grams of fresh yeast or 12 grams of instant yeast
- 70 grams of sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Cardamom Filling:
- 150 grams of butter
- 50 grams of brown sugar
- 100 grams of white sugar
- 4-5 teaspoons of ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Simple Syrup:
- 120 ml water
- 120 grams sugar
- Optional: 2 slices of lemon
Instructions:
- Start by dissolving the yeast in lukewarm milk.
- Whisk in the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix in the flour.
- Knead with a dough hook on medium for 3-4 minutes, add butter, then knead on high for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (approximately 50×40 cm). Spread the cardamom filling evenly over the dough, then fold it into thirds.
- Cut the layered dough into 12-16 strips. Divide each strip into three, braid them, roll into a bun, and tuck the ends underneath. Place each bun into a greased muffin tin.
- Cover and let rise again for 40 minutes.
- Bake at 200°C with a fan for 20-25 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Prepare the syrup by boiling water and sugar, then simmering for 15 minutes. Optionally, add lemon slices for extra flavor.
- Brush the warm buns with syrup after baking.
Enjoy these delightful Danish-style cardamom buns, a perfect blend of tradition and innovation!
