Norwegian Sweet Buns with Cardamom

1.In a bowl add raisins and pour warm water in until it covers the raisins. Let it sit for 1 hour. In a small bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk and 1 egg.
2.In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
3.Add the milk mixture and knead on low for 8 minutes. Add the butter and knead on medium for about 5 minutes or until the dough is very elastic and somewhat moist.
4.Strain the raisins and knead them (or the chocolate chips) into the dough, if using. Transfer the dough to a lightly buttered bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size.
5.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 12-equal-sized pieces and shape into balls. Place the balls of dough on the prepared baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
6.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg on top of the dough. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool slightly then serve. Store leftovers in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.