Pullataikinaa

Pullataikinaa is the Finnish term for a sweet yeast dough used to make various Finnish pastries, most notably pulla. This dough is characterized by its richness, often containing milk, butter, sugar, and eggs, which contributes to its soft and tender texture. The key leavening agent is yeast, requiring a period of proofing to allow the dough to rise and develop flavor.

The preparation of pullataikinaa typically begins with warming milk and dissolving yeast in it, often with a pinch of sugar to activate the yeast. Flour is then added, followed by other ingredients like butter (often melted or softened), sugar, eggs, and sometimes cardamom, which is a very common spice in Finnish baking and imparts a distinctive aroma and flavor to pullataikinaa. The dough is then kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic.

After kneading, the dough is allowed to rise in a warm place until doubled in size. This initial rise is crucial for the texture of the final product. Once risen, the dough is shaped into various forms, such as braids, knots, or rolls, and often topped with pearl sugar, chopped nuts, or egg wash before a second, shorter proofing period and baking. The resulting pastries are typically enjoyed with coffee.