How to Make a Perfect Cardamom-Spiced Bread

Craving a warm, fragrant bread that fills your home with irresistible spice and sweetness? 🌿💛 Cardamom-spiced bread is a delicious treat enjoyed across cultures, especially in Scandinavian, Middle Eastern, and Indian baking traditions. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm cardamom aroma, this bread is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack! ☕🍞

Let’s bake the perfect homemade cardamom bread! 👇

🛒 Ingredients

🥖 For the Dough:

✔️ 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
✔️ ½ cup warm milk (not too hot, around 110°F/45°C)
✔️ ¼ cup granulated sugar
✔️ 1 tsp salt
✔️ 1 tbsp ground cardamom (freshly ground for the best flavor!)
✔️ ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
✔️ 1 large egg

🍯 For the Glaze (Optional, but Delicious!):

✔️ 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
✔️ 1 tbsp melted butter

✨ For Topping:

✔️ 2 tbsp sliced almonds or pearl sugar

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1️⃣ In a small bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar.
2️⃣ Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy (this means the yeast is active!).

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom.
2️⃣ Add the melted butter, egg, and activated yeast mixture.
3️⃣ Mix until combined, then knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until soft and elastic.

🔹 Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1️⃣ Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour (or until doubled in size).

🔹 Step 4: Shape & Second Rise

1️⃣ Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf or a braided bread.
2️⃣ Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it rise for 30 minutes.

🔹 Step 5: Bake the Bread

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Brush the top with the butter-honey glaze and sprinkle almonds or pearl sugar.
3️⃣ Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.