In the quaint little town of Sweetwater, where the air is always filled with the aroma of baked goods, I had a delightful encounter with a charming bakery tucked away in a cobblestone alley. It was here that I first tasted the magic of cardamom-infused cinnamon rolls, a twist on the classic treat that made my taste buds dance with joy. Inspired by that moment, I decided to create my own version, marrying the warm spices of cardamom and cinnamon with a luscious maple glaze. These whimsical rolls are perfect for a cozy brunch or a special gathering, bringing a touch of sweetness to your day.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk (heated to warm, about 110°F)
⅓ cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 large eggs
For the Filling:
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Begin by warming the milk until it’s just warm to the touch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk with the instant yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the moment when the magic begins!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Once the yeast is ready, pour in the melted butter and the eggs into the yeast mixture, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl. Set it aside and let the sweet aromas fill your kitchen.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a slight border around the edges. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon and cardamom filling over the buttered surface.
Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the rolls are baking, whip up the maple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before drizzling the warm maple glaze generously over the top.
Gather your friends and family around, and watch their faces light up as they take their first bite of these whimsical cardamom cinnamon rolls. Each roll is a delightful surprise, combining the familiar comfort of cinnamon with the exotic warmth of cardamom, finished with a sweet maple kiss. Enjoy the joy of baking and sharing these delectable treats!