Bread Machine Swedish Coffee Bread

1 cup milk

½ teaspoon salt

1 egg yolk

2 tablespoons softened butter

3 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup sugar

1 (.25 ounce) envelope active dry yeast

3 teaspoons ground cardamom

2 egg whites, slightly beaten

pearl sugar, or other decorative sugar

Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select dough cycle; press Start.

When the dough cycle has finished, divide into three equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope 12 to 14 inches long. Lay the three ropes side by side, then braid together. Tuck the ends underneath, and place onto a greased baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Brush the braid with beaten egg white and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.