Swedish Cinnamon Buns

One of my most popular recipes! Save this one and share with a buddy for the most luscious spiced buns. You can serve just as they are or go the extra mile and make up the creamy frosting!

Makes: 12

• 80g (3 1⁄4 oz) unsalted butter
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk
• 500g (4 cups) strong white bread flour
• 1 x 7g (1⁄4oz) sachet of fast-action yeast
• 50g (2oz) caster (superfine) sugar
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 large free-range egg plus 1 large yolk, beaten together
• 1 beaten egg, for glazing
• 1 tbsp pearl sugar

For the filling:

• 150g (5oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (3 1/2 oz) soft light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

For the glaze (optional):

• 100ml cream
• 400g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

1. Gently melt the butter and milk together in a pan over a low heat until the butter has melted. Set aside until lukewarm (about 40°C/100°F).
2. Mix the flour, yeast, caster sugar, salt and cardamom together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the beaten egg and yolk followed by the warm milk and butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix until you have a slightly sticky dough.
3. When the dough has taken shape, turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and springy. (Alternatively knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4–5 minutes.) Dust with flour if you find the dough too sticky.
4. Transfer the dough to a clean greased bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. For the filling, beat all the ingredients in a bowl until you have a smooth paste.
6. When the dough has risen, punch it down in the bowl and tip onto a lightly greased work surface. Roll into a rectangle 45 x 30cm (17 x 12in) and about 5mm (1⁄4in) thick. Spread the filling all over and then, starting from one long side, roll the dough into a cylinder. Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 equal-sized pieces.
7. Lightly grease a roasting tray that is about 25 x 20cm (10 x 8in) and place the rolls in cut-side up. Cover with lightly greased cling film and leave to rise for 30–40 minutes in a warm place until puffy.
8. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180° fan/400°F/Gas 6. Brush the buns with the egg, sprinkle with the sugar and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Leave the buns to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool a little before serving.
10. If you want to make the glaze, combine all the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl and smooth over with a spatula once the buns are cooled.