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- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cardamom - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup milk, warmed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 large eggs - Zest of 1 large orange - ½ cup orange juice - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cinnamon - ½ cup raisins or currants (optional) - 1 egg (for egg wash) Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose fresh yeast for best results. Look for active dry yeast that is not expired. Fresh all-purpose flour helps the dough rise well. Use real unsalted butter for a rich flavor. The orange zest should be bright and fragrant, as this adds a nice aroma to the buns. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a sweeter taste than store-bought juice. You can use whole wheat flour for added fiber, though it may change the texture. If you have no active dry yeast, try instant yeast instead. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works well. Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter, giving a unique flavor. If you want to skip eggs, use a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. If raisins or currants aren’t your thing, feel free to leave them out or replace them with chopped nuts. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You want it to get frothy. In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Pour this into the dry mix, then add the frothy yeast. Stir until you get a sticky dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until it doubles in size. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional raisins or currants. Spread softened butter over the rolled dough. Then, sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice this log into 12 equal pieces. Place these pieces cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish again with a damp cloth. Let the buns rise for another 30-40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, brush the tops of the buns with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 25-30 minutes. They should be lightly golden and cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with orange slices for added color and taste. To get a good rise, keep your dough warm. Yeast loves warmth. Place the dough in a cozy spot, like near a sunny window. Cover it with a damp cloth to keep moisture in. The dough should double in size in about an hour. If it doesn’t puff up, the yeast might be old or the room too cold. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Check your yeast’s expiration date. Always measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup, then level it off. Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, which gives the buns structure. Don’t rush the rising time; it’s key for light, fluffy buns. Serve your orange cardamom morning buns warm. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add a slice of orange on the plate for color and zest. For a fun twist, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy them with a smear of butter or cream cheese. Each bite should feel like a warm hug! Pro Tips Proof Your Yeast: Always ensure your yeast is fresh by checking for froth after mixing it with warm milk. If it doesn’t froth, the yeast may be inactive. Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow your dough ample time to rise. A warm environment helps, but be patient; the dough should double in size for the best texture. Butter for Flavor: Using softened butter for the filling ensures it spreads easily and enhances the flavor of the morning buns. Egg Wash Brilliance: For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops with a beaten egg before baking, which also helps in achieving a lovely shine. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your orange cardamom morning buns. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans. They will add a crunchy texture. You can also mix in dried fruits. Raisins and currants work well, but cranberries or chopped dates are great too. Just be sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces. This way, they blend well into the dough. Want to make these buns vegan? Replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until thick. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For gluten-free buns, use a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a bit of xanthan gum for better texture. You may need to adjust the liquid measurements. A glaze can make your buns extra special. For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice. Drizzle it over the warm buns for a bright finish. You can also add a dash of vanilla extract for more flavor. If you want something richer, a cream cheese glaze works great too. Just blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a bit of orange juice until smooth. This will add a lovely tang to your morning treat. To keep your orange cardamom morning buns fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing them. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigeration. However, this may change their texture. When you’re ready to enjoy your buns again, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and keeps them soft. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they may become tough. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some buns for later. Allow the buns to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy fresh flavors anytime you crave a tasty treat! Yes, you can use instant yeast. It works well and rises faster. Just mix it with the dry ingredients. You do not need to proof it in warm milk. This saves you time. The results will be just as tasty! You can tell the buns are done by looking and listening. They should be lightly golden on the top. Tap the bottom of a bun; it should sound hollow. You can also use a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the buns are ready to eat! Many drinks pair nicely with these buns. Here are some ideas: - Fresh orange juice - Herbal tea - Coffee or espresso - Hot chocolate Try these drinks to enjoy a perfect breakfast treat! In this post, we explored how to make orange cardamom morning buns. We covered key ingredients and tips for great results. Remember to pick quality ingredients for the best flavor. You learned step-by-step how to mix, roll, and bake them. Don't forget to try fun variations, like adding nuts or making them vegan. Store them well for later, and you'll enjoy these treats even more. With practice, you’ll master morning buns that impress everyone. Enjoy baking, and savor each bite!

Orange Cardamom Morning Buns

Deliciously soft and fragrant morning buns infused with orange and cardamom.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup milk, warmed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup raisins or currants (optional)
  • 1 egg for egg wash

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt.
  • In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, followed by the frothy yeast mixture.
  • Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to a rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
  • In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional raisins/currants. Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over it.
  • Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
  • Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the buns rise again for 30-40 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Brush the tops of the buns with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden and cooked through.
  • Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with a few orange slices for added color and fragrance. Enjoy fresh from the oven for the best flavor!
Keyword breakfast, buns, cardamom, orange