Swedish Cardamom Bread (Pulla)

One of my favorite breads to make at Easter time!

1 pkg. Active Dry Yeast
1 1/4 cup warm milk
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 egg lightly beaten

In a small saucepan over low heat, heat the butter in the milk until melted. Let the mixture cool until 115F. Add the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 10 minutes.

In a mixing bowl with dough hook add flour, sugar, salt and cardamom. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture on a low setting. Mix until the dough comes together, about 10 minutes. If it sticks to the side of the bowl add small amounts of flour a little at a time.

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a well greased bowl, cover with a clean dishtowl and set aside in a warm place for three hours, or until the dough increases in size by 1/3.

Divide the dough into 3 or 4 parts depending on the braid you want to make. Braid the dough, place it on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with a dish towl for 1 more hour.

Meanwhile preheat oven to 350F. Brush loaf with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar (regular or pearl sugar). Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.