Cardamom Bread

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.
Yield 2 loaves (20 pieces each)
Test Kitchen Approved
Make your own cardamom bread for a delightfully sweet, spiced treat, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons 2% milk, divided
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, cardamom and salt. In a small saucepan, heat 1-1/2 cups milk, butter and honey to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  3. Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Divide each portion into thirds. Shape each into a 14-in. rope. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
  4. Brush with remaining milk and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375° until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 114 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

I came across this recipe in 1983 and have been making it for the holidays ever since. One year I gave away 20 loaves! —Rita Bergman, Olympia, Washington
Recipe Creator

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