Semla

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In bread machine or stand mixer, place the lukewarm water, yeast and 1/2 tsp of sugar. Allow to rest for a few minutes, until the yeast begins to grow. Mix the milk, melted butter, beaten egg together, then add to the yeast mixture.

Step 2

Add the cardamom, flour, 1/3 cup (2.5 oz) of sugar and salt, and turn on machine (dough setting on bread machine or use a dough hook if using a stand mixer.) Mix and knead by hand if you aren’t using a machine.

Step 3

Dough will be slightly sticky. Allow cycle to finish on dough setting; with stand mixer, or by hand, when the dough is ready, cover it and let rise on the counter until doubled in size.

Step 4

After it’s risen, punch down the dough, and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut pieces of the dough and shape into round balls (about 15 to 18), and place onto a greased cookie sheet (or silicone sheet) about an inch apart. I baked mine with the buns too close together and they touched, so don't put them as close as I did in the photo below.

Step 5

I also weighed mine so they would all be of equal size, however it’s really unnecessary unless you are a Type A personality, like me. :) Place the tray in the oven (do not turn it on) to rise for about half an hour or until doubled in size. (I put a large cup of boiling water in the oven for steam, so the buns don’t get a hard crust).

Step 6

Once doubled, remove the buns from the oven and brush with the egg glaze (just mix the egg and cream together and brush on gently.)

Step 7

Preheat the oven to 350º F (175ºC) then cook the buns for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown. While they are baking, prepare the almond paste.

Step 8

Whip the egg white until soft peaks form, then fold in the ground almonds and powdered sugar.

Step 9

Cover and set aside.

Step 10

Remove the cooked buns from the tray, and place on a cooling rack.

Step 11

When the Semlor are completely cool, whip the cream and assemble them.

Step 12

Begin by cutting a top on each bun with a sharp knife, cutting down into the center of the bun to create a space for filling in the bun. Then put a teaspoonful, or more, of the almonds paste.

Step 13

Next, top with whipped cream.

Step 14

Place the top on the cream, and dust with powdered sugar. Repeat with remaining Semlor.