Cardamom Maple Cinnamon Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Infused with the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom and sweetened with rich maple syrup, these rolls are perfect for cozy mornings or special occasions. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and treat yourself to a comforting homemade delight.
All-purpose flour forms the base of our dough, providing structure. Granulated sugar adds a hint of sweetness to the dough. Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness. Instant yeast is the leavening agent that makes our rolls rise.
Whole milk adds richness and helps create a tender dough. Unsalted butter, both softened and melted, is essential for tenderness and flavor. Egg contributes to the dough's richness and structure. Vanilla extract adds a subtle, sweet aroma.
Ground cardamom is the star spice, offering a unique, fragrant note. Brown sugar provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Ground cinnamon pairs beautifully with cardamom for a classic flavor combination. Maple syrup in the glaze adds a lovely depth of sweetness. Powdered sugar is used to create a smooth, sweet glaze. Milk in the glaze adjusts consistency and adds a creamy touch.
These rolls are wonderful with a side of fresh fruit or a simple fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate them to dessert status. Pair with a steaming cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to complement the cardamom flavor.
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Into this, you'll combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast. Give it a quick stir to mix everything evenly.
Next, warm up 3/4 cup of whole milk. You want it just lukewarm, not hot. Mix the warm milk with 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it all together until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Start mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon, then switch to kneading by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. It's ready when it springs back when poked.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, roughly 1 hour. Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom. Spread 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from a long edge. Once rolled, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up, bake them for 25-30 minutes until they're golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing.
For the glaze, whisk together 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm rolls before serving. Enjoy the gooey, sweet perfection!