Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Directions

1. To the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast and sugar and set aside.
2. Add the milk and butter to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until it reaches a temperature of 110° F. Once to temp, transfer milk mixture to the bowl with the yeast and sugar. Cover with a towel for 5 minutes.
3. Now, using the dough hook attachment on low speed, add the salt and flour slowly until the dough is soft and smooth. (Alternatively you can mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl, turn out onto a floured surface and knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes). Mix or kneed the dough until it slowly bounces back when gently poked with a finger.
4. Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a clean bowl greased with a tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil. Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm space for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Transfer the dough to a large, floured work surface. Roll out the dough into a 22-in x 15-in rectangle. Spread the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom evenly over the dough, pressing in with hands slightly to fully combine. Sprinkle the mixture lightly with some kosher salt.
6. Fold 1/3 of the dough towards the center, then fold the remaining 1/3 over that. Roll out the dough again into a 8 inch x15 inch rectangle—be sure to remove any air bubbles that may form.
7. 
   Using a pizza cutter or a knife, cut the dough into 12 even strips. Working with one strip at a time shape the buns. Twist the strip of dough several times while streching it out until it almost doubles in length. Shape the buns into knots by loosely wrapping the dough around 2 fingers, then tucking the loose end into the center. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. 
   Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for 45 min – 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
9. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash. Brush each bun with the egg wash then sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.
10. Bake the cinnamon buns for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the buns are baking, make a sugar syrup by adding 1/3 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water to a saucepan and bring to a boil then turn off the heat. Brush the syrup on the buns when they are hot out of the oven.