Pulla (Finnish Sweet Bread)

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 210 Celsius.
2. 2
   Combine 100 ml. milk and 100 gr. flour in a bowl. Add 3 gr. yeast and mix together with a fork. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place to rise, approximately 3 hours.
3. 3
   Add the rest of the flour, milk, and yeast along with the salt, egg, sugar, and cardamom. Knead until smooth and elastic. Add the butter, little by little until well incorporated. Form into a ball and place into a buttered bowl, covered with plastic wrap, until doubled in volume.
4. 4
   Form the dough into individual balls or a braided loaf. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rise again.
5. 5
   Brush the surface with the egg and bake for 10-15 minutes, until it begins to brown. Lower the temperature of the oven slightly and bake for another 5-10 minutes.