Cardamom buns
Soft and fragrant cardamom cinnamon buns with buttery layers, braided into beautiful swirls and baked until golden - perfect for a cozy homemade treat.
Updated : 04 September, 2025
Easy
More than 1 hour.
Ingredients
28
Cardamom
250 milliliters
Milk
125 grams
Butter
350 grams
Flour
150 grams
Sugar
7 grams
Yeast
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
splash
Vegetable oil
0.25 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1
Eggs
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Lightly crush 10 cardamom pods with a rolling pin or pestle and mortar to crack them open. Add the pods and seeds to the milk and warm gently in a saucepan or microwave until steaming but not boiling. Stir in 35g/1¼oz butter until melted, then set aside to cool until lukewarm.
Step 2
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, 50g sugar, yeast, and salt. Strain the milk mixture through a sieve to remove the cardamom pods, then pour into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or dough hook to form a soft dough. Knead for 5 minutes in the mixer, or 10 minutes by hand on a floured surface, until elastic and smooth. Return to the bowl, cover with oiled cling film or a damp tea towel, and leave to rise for 1-2 hours, or overnight in the fridge, until doubled in size.
Step 3
Crack open the remaining cardamom pods, crush the seeds to a powder, and mix with the remaining 100g sugar. Reserve 1½ tablespoons for later. Mash the rest with 90g butter and cinnamon to create a spiced butter.
Step 4
Turn the dough out and roll into a 35x30cm/14x12in rectangle. Spread the spiced butter evenly across the surface. Fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then roll gently back to a 15x30cm/6x12in rectangle. Slice into 8 strips, then cut each into three strands, leaving the top attached. Plait the strands and roll each into a bun, tucking the ends underneath.
Step 5
Arrange the buns on lined trays with space to rise. Cover with lightly oiled cling film and leave for 30-50 minutes until doubled. Preheat the oven to 190C. Brush the buns with beaten egg, sprinkle with the reserved cardamom sugar, and bake for 20-22 minutes, rotating trays halfway if needed for even browning.
Step 6
Enjoy warm, within 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Refresh in a low oven for 5 minutes before serving.