Cardamom Fig Cinnamon Buns

Instructions

For the dough:

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat cardamom pods and milk until it\'s scalding. Turn off heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Discard pods.
2. Whisk in butter until melted through and transfer to stand mixer. Let cool to110 degrees (it should feel slightly warm to the touch).
3. Stir in yeast and let sit 10 minutes.
4. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add to stand mixer and mix until combined. Use a dough hook to knead it until dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.
5. Shape dough into a ball and put in a clean bowl. Cover with towel and let it rise for an hour in a warm place.

For the filling and assembly:

1. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Punch down the dough and roll it out to a 12 x 18 rectangle, with the short side facing you. Spread the half closest to you with butter and then jam.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture over it.
4. Fold the top third of the dough down and the bottom up over it, like a letter. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut dough into 12 strips.
5. Cut each strip 3/4 of the way up lengthwise. Twist the ends and tie into a knot. Tuck the ends under.
6. Place on a Silpat, cover with a towel and let rest 30 minutes.
7. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Beat the egg lightly in a small bowl. Uncover buns and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with pearl sugar (if using) and bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and baked through. Immediately transfer on a wire rack.