Finnish Pulla

1. 1

   Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium until it begins to bubble, then take it off the heat and let it cool until lukewarm.

2. 2

   Combine the warm water and yeast in a large bowl and let it sit until the yeast softens and forms a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir the lukewarm milk, sugar, 4 beaten eggs, salt, and cardamom into the yeast mixture. Beat in 2 cups flour until combined. Add 3 cups flour and beat until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add the melted butter and beat until glossy. Mix in the remaining flour until the dough is stiff.

4. 4

   Move the dough to a floured surface, cover it with an inverted mixing bowl, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Knead the dough until smooth and satiny, then place it in a lightly greased mixing bowl and turn it to coat. Cover with a dish towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down the dough and let it rise again until almost doubled, about 1 hour.

6. 6

   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide it into 3 equal portions. Split each portion into 3 more pieces. Roll each piece into a rope 12 to 16 inches long. Braid 3 ropes together to make a loaf. Repeat with the remaining dough.

7. 7

   Set the loaves on greased baking sheets, cover with dish towels, and let them rise for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

9. 9

   Beat 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl, then brush the mixture over each loaf. Sprinkle each loaf with 2 tablespoons sugar.

10. 10

    Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

• Calories 174.68 kcal Moderate
• Protein 4.35 g Low Source
• Carbs 30.56 g Moderate
• Total Fat 3.26 g Low Source
• Saturated Fat 1.91 g Moderate
• Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source
• Cholesterol 26.82 mg Moderate
• Sodium 19.78 mg Low Source
• Fiber 1.09 g Low Source
• Sugar 6.41 g Moderate
• Added Sugar 0.14 g Low Source
• Calcium 20.53 mg Low Source
• Iron 1.67 mg Low Source
• Potassium 24.0 mg Low Source
• Vitamin A 18.81 mcg_rae Low Source
• Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source
• Vitamin D 0.48 mcg Low Source

Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

• Eggs 🥚
• Milk 🥛
• Wheat 🌾
• Gluten