Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) whole milk, lukewarm
- 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons (500 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 6 tablespoons (75 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (75 g) lightly salted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 ½ cups (250 g) wild or cultivated blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
For Finishing:
- Melted butter, for brushing
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Preparation Tips:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough consistency.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before cooking.
- Cultivated blueberries can be used, but wild ones provide a more intense flavor.
- You can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a mixer; it just takes a bit more time and effort.
Instructions
1. Make the Dough
- Warm the milk until just lukewarm, about 100–105°F (38–40°C).
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine sifted flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
- Add the lukewarm milk and egg. Mix with a dough hook attachment on low speed until a shaggy dough forms.
- Begin adding the butter, one cube at a time, while kneading. Allow each piece to incorporate before adding the next.
- Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8–10 minutes until soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly buttered bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
2. Cook the Blueberry Filling
- While the dough is rising, place the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens—about 15–20 minutes.
- Let the filling cool to room temperature before using. It should be thick enough not to run out of the dough when rolled.
3. Roll and Shape the Buns
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently punch it down.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 20 x 15 inches (50 x 38 cm).
- Spread the cooled blueberry mixture evenly over the surface, reaching to the edges.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
- Place the slices cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between them.
- Cover with a towel and let rise again for 40 minutes.
4. Bake and Finish
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Once the buns have puffed up from the second rise, place them in the oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While warm, brush each bun with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Yeast Dough Caution: Make sure your milk is not too hot—if it’s above 110°F (43°C), it may kill the yeast.
- Sticky Dough? The dough is meant to be soft and slightly sticky. Don’t add too much flour while kneading or rolling.
- Baking Evenness: Rotate the tray halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Butter Substitute: You can use unsalted butter and add 1/4 teaspoon salt to the dough instead of salted butter.
- Filling Control: Make sure the filling is thick. If it’s too runny, it will leak out during baking.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes