If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, fragrant treat to brighten your mornings, this Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe is absolutely the answer. These fluffy, golden buns combine the zesty brightness of orange with the warm, exotic spice of cardamom, all wrapped in a soft, buttery dough that’s just begging to be pulled apart and enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Perfectly sweetened and subtly spiced, this recipe brings a Scandinavian-inspired charm right to your kitchen and makes mornings something to look forward to every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that tender dough, the aromatic filling, and the shiny glaze that finishes the buns perfectly. You probably have most of these essentials in your pantry and fridge already, making this a wonderful recipe to try without a special trip to the store.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffy, risen dough.
- Warm milk (¾ cup at 110°F): Activates the yeast and adds creaminess to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup for filling): Adds sweetness to both dough and filling for balance.
- Large egg (1): Enriches the dough, making it tender and golden.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup melted + 4 tablespoons softened): Provides richness and moisture to dough and filling.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups): The fundamental structure for the dough.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Bright and citrusy, essential for the signature flavor.
- Ground cardamom (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs effortlessly with orange.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup) and orange juice (1–2 tablespoons) for glaze: Optional but highly recommended for a sweet, tangy finish.
How to Make Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by whisking together the warm milk, yeast, and one tablespoon of sugar in a large bowl. Give it a few minutes and watch for that beautiful foam—it’s how you know the yeast is alive and kicking, which is the key to getting your buns light and airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Add the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, salt, and all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until it forms a soft dough, then knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. This kneading process builds the gluten that will give your buns their perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl and cover it well. Now the waiting game begins—let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it doubles in size. This rise is essential for developing the flavor and lightness in the dough.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While your dough is rising, mix together the granulated sugar, bright orange zest, and aromatic ground cardamom in a small bowl. Set this fragrant filling aside—it’s going to be your buns’ superstar flavor.
Step 5: Roll, Spread, and Shape
Once risen, roll your dough out on a floured surface into about a 12 by 16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the orange-cardamom sugar filling on top. Roll it up tightly from the long edge into a generous log, then cut it into 12 even slices.
Step 6: Second Rise
Arrange the slices in a greased muffin tin or a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover them loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until nice and puffy. This second rise ensures your buns bake up super fluffy and tender.
Step 7: Bake Your Buns
Pop your buns into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until golden brown and irresistible. Once out of the oven, let them cool just slightly before adding the optional glaze.
Step 8: Optional Orange Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle it over the warm morning buns for an added layer of citrus sweetness. This glaze complements the cardamom’s warmth and ties the whole pastry together beautifully.
How to Serve Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of coarse sugar or a few strands of orange zest on top can instantly elevate these buns, giving them a little sparkle and a fresh burst of citrus aroma right before serving. Fresh orange slices on the side bring a pop of color and highlight the citrus theme.
Side Dishes
Serve these buns alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich chai latte to complement the cardamom spice. A bowl of Greek yogurt with honey and fresh berries can also provide a refreshing, creamy contrast making this a balanced breakfast or brunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the buns on a rustic wooden board with a small pot of orange marmalade or homemade whipped cream for a combo that guests will adore. For a brunch party, pair them with a bright fruit salad or a cheese platter to impress with variety and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, keep the Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve their softness and aroma without drying them out.
Freezing
These buns freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm the buns in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 to 8 minutes or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. Adding a light brush of melted butter before warming adds a lovely, soft richness.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be used and often doesn’t require proofing in warm milk; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients. You might need to adjust the rise times slightly, but your Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe will still turn out perfectly fluffy and delicious.
Is cardamom essential in this recipe?
While cardamom is a key flavor that makes these buns unique, you can experiment with substitutes like cinnamon or nutmeg if you don’t have it on hand. However, the original Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe shines brightest with that special, slightly floral cardamom touch.
Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes! For convenience, you can prepare the dough and let it rise once, then refrigerate overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out and proceeding with the filling and second rise. This is a great way to have fresh buns ready with minimal morning prep.
What if I don’t have orange juice for the glaze?
No worries, you can substitute with lemon juice or even a tablespoon of milk to mix with the powdered sugar for a simple glaze. Though orange juice complements the flavor best, the glaze’s primary role is adding sweetness and a pretty finish.
Will these buns keep well for brunch gatherings?
These buns are perfect for serving at brunch and can be baked fresh or warmed just before guests arrive. Their appealing aroma and tender texture make them irresistible any time, and they hold up well on a buffet table for several hours if kept covered.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and special about the Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe that makes it a charming way to start your day. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these buns promise to deliver joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try soon — your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Orange Cardamom Morning Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Scandinavian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Orange Cardamom Morning Buns are soft, sweet yeast buns flavored with bright orange zest and fragrant cardamom, perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Lightly glazed with an optional orange icing, they offer a tender crumb and a subtle citrus spice that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Add remaining sugar, the egg, melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar, orange zest, and ground cardamom. Set aside for assembling the filling.
- Shape buns: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the orange cardamom sugar mixture. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log, and cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased muffin tin or a parchment-lined baking dish. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Make glaze (optional): While the buns bake, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Glaze and serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly, then drizzle the orange glaze over the warm buns. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- These buns can be made ahead and chilled overnight after shaping before the second rise. Just bring them to room temperature before baking.
- Use fresh orange zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Ensure milk is warm but not hot (110°F) to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- If you prefer less sweet buns, reduce the sugar in the filling slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
