The Best Cardamom Rolls EVER!
PREP TIME 2 HOURS COOK TIME 20 MINS TOTAL TIME 2 HOURS 20 MINS
Healthy? Well, maybe not the healthiest choice. But every now and then, we all deserve a little treat for those special moments in life.
To ensure the cardamom rolls stay incredibly soft and fluffy, there's a secret ingredient: bread flour. Yes, you read that correctly. It's the one and only key to achieving that perfect texture. Without it, the rolls just won't be as exceptional.
To successfully craft these cardamom rolls from scratch, you'll want to have a few key kitchen tools on hand:
Stand Mixer: Utilize the dough hook attachment on your stand mixer for easy dough kneading. If you don't own a stand mixer, no problem! You can also knead the dough manually.
Wooden Spoon: A trusty wooden spoon is ideal for mixing your dough together.
Rolling Pin: This tool is essential for rolling out that lovely dough. Here's a pro tip: if a rolling pin isn't available, you can also use a floured-up wine bottle as a substitute!
Serrated Knife: Opt for a serrated knife when it's time to cut the cardamom rolls after rolling up the dough. Alternatively, you can use a piece of dental floss for a clean cut.
9x9 Inch Pan: I recommend using a 9x9 inch baking pan or a 9-inch circular pan to ensure the cardamom rolls fit well and bake to perfection.
Here are some handy storage suggestions for your freshly baked cardamom rolls:
Room Temperature (1-2 Days): You can keep your cardamom rolls covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring they stay deliciously fresh.
Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days): If you want to extend their shelf life, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they can stay for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To enjoy that soft and gooey goodness again, simply pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.
PREP TIME 2 HRS HOURS COOK TIME 20 MINS TOTAL TIME 2 HRS
Here's the breakdown of the ingredients you'll need for the dough, filling, and cream cheese frosting:
For the Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk, ideally around 110 degrees F.
2 1/4 teaspoons of quick rise or active yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar.
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, both at room temperature.
1/4 cup melted butter (salted is my preference, but unsalted will work as well).
3 cups of bread flour, plus extra for dusting.
3/4 teaspoon salt.
For the Filling:
2/3 cup dark brown sugar (light brown sugar can also be used).
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cardamom.
1/4 cup softened butter.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
4 oz of softened cream cheese.
3 tablespoons of softened butter.
3/4 cup of powdered sugar.
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make these scrumptious cardamom rolls:
For the Dough:
1. Warm the milk to around 110 degrees F. You can do this by placing the milk in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving it for about 40-45 seconds. It should be warm, like bathwater.
2. Transfer the warm milk to the bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle the yeast on top, then add the sugar, egg, egg yolk, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Stir in the flour and salt with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form.
4. Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes. The dough should form into a nice ball and be slightly sticky. If it's too sticky and sticking to the bottom of the mixer, add 2 tablespoons more bread flour. If you don't have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes on a well-floured surface.
5. Transfer the dough ball to a well-oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. The time needed for rising can vary depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.
For the Filling:
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a well-floured surface and roll it out into a 14x9 inch rectangle.
7. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a ¼ inch margin at the far side of the dough.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cardamom. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered dough, then gently rub the brown sugar mixture into the butter.
9. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the 9-inch side, and place it seam side down, making sure to seal the edges of the dough as best as you can. You might need to trim about an inch off the ends of the dough if they don't have enough cardamom sugar filling.
10. Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch sections using a serrated knife or dental floss. You should have 9 large pieces.
Assembly and Baking:
11. Place the cardamom rolls in a greased 9x9 inch baking pan or a round 9-inch cake pan. It's a good idea to line the pan with parchment paper as well, in case any of the filling leaks out. Cover the rolls with plastic wrap and a warm towel and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes.
12. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap and towel, then bake the cardamom rolls for 20-25 minutes or until they are just slightly golden brown on the edges. You want them to be slightly underbaked to keep them soft in the middle.
13. Allow the cardamom rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
14. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
15. Spread the frosting over the cardamom rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade delicious cardamom rolls!