Name: Pulla (Finnish Sweet Cardamom Raisin Bread)
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 6 hours
Yield: Makes 2 loaves
Ingredients: 1 cup raisins; ¼ cup warm water (105-115°F); 1 (¼-ounce) package active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons); 5 cups all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1¼ teaspoons salt; 1½ sticks cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1¼ cups warm whole milk (105-115°F); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten with; 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash

A loaf of braided raisin bread being sliced on a cutting board.

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Pulla is a soft, slightly sweet Finnish bread made with plenty of butter, which results in tender pieces that can be pulled apart, bite by bite. A hint of cardamom and a handful of plump raisins make it a special treat for teatime.

Cooks' note:

Pulla can be made 2 days ahead and kept, wrapped well, at room temperature or frozen 1 month.

Recipe notes

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