Finnish Cardamom Braids (Pulla)

Step 1
Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for a few minutes.

Step 2
Mix milk, 1 cup sugar, melted margarine, eggs, and cardamom together in a bowl until well combined. Add 1 1/2 cups flour and the yeast-water mixture; mix until well combined. Add remaining 3 1/2 cups flour and mix well.

Step 3
Turn dough out onto a floured board and knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.

Step 4
Divide dough into 9 equal balls; roll each ball into a rope. Braid 3 ropes together; repeat twice more so you have 3 braided loaves.

Step 5
Put braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet. Brush with coffee and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Let rise for about 1 hour.

Step 6
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.