Finnish nissua –Welcome to a delightful journey into the world of Finnish baking! Today, we are excited to share a mouthwatering recipe for Finnish Nissua, also known as Pulla. This traditional sweet bread is not only delicious but also holds a special place in Finnish culture. It’s often served warm, making it perfect for gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee. So let’s get started on this delightful treat that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Image of Finnish Nissua
Here’s a sneak peek of what your homemade Nissua can look like! Get ready for a visually appealing and delicious creation.

Ingredients for Finnish Nissua
Gather these ingredients to make your Nissua:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (approximately)
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling
Instructions for Making Finnish Nissua
Now, let’s bring this delightful recipe to life! Follow these steps carefully for the perfect Nissua.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat, and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, salt, cardamom, and two eggs. Mix well. Add the foamy yeast mixture to this bowl and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, kneading the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This should take about 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into long strands.
- Braid the three strands together to create a beautiful loaf. Once braided, tuck the ends underneath.
- Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf with the egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy your freshly baked Finnish Nissua with a cup of coffee or tea! It’s a perfect way to share love and warmth with friends and family. Happy baking!