Swedish Cardamom Buns

For the dough:
Warm the milk to 110°F. Sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to proof for 5 minutes.

Place the remaining dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Pour the proofed yeast mixture on top. Briefly stir with a spatula to form a shaggy dough. Attach to the base of the stand mixer and fit with the dough hook. Knead for 15 minutes on medium-low (I used speed 2 out of 10).

Transfer dough to a large, buttered bowl. Cover and allow to rise in a warm spot until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

For the filling:
When the dough is nearly done rising, beat the butter, sugar, and cardamom together in a small bowl with a hand mixer until well mixed.

On a well-buttered surface, gently roll the risen dough out to a 14×20-inch rectangle. Dab the filling evenly over the surface of the dough and spread out evenly with an offset spatula.

Grabbing a short end, fold 1/3 of the dough over itself towards the middle, then the other 1/3 (like folding a letter). Roll the dough out again to a 10×14-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 3/4-inch strips, starting at a folded edge. Cut a strip in half along the length of it, leaving a bit of dough still attached at one end. Twist both “legs” of dough in one direction, then twist the legs around themselves in the opposite direction. Coil the twisted dough around itself in a circle, tucking the end underneath to keep it in place. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough strips, making sure to leave plenty of space between the buns on the baking sheet. You’ll most likely need to use two baking sheets.

Cover the buns with a tea towel and allow to rise in a warm spot until quite puffy, about 1½ to 2 more hours (check them at one hour if your kitchen is warm). 

Twenty minutes before the buns are done rising, preheat oven to 425°F. Bake the risen buns for 15–20 minutes, or until deep golden on top, dark brown on the bottom, and cooked through. You can check doneness with an instant read thermometer (the buns should register 200°F).

For the topping:
While the buns are baking, make the topping. Place the water, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Brush over the hot cardamom buns. Allow to cool for a few minutes, and brush them again. Repeat once more. Sprinkle the buns with the ground cardamom.

Serve buns warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days (if they last that long).