In a small bowl or a glass measuring cup, add the 1/4 cup water, 1 cup milk, and 3 tablespoons of butter. Microwave for about 30-60 seconds, checking to stir at least once, until it is lukewarm but not hot. You want the mixture to be about 105 degrees F. It's okay if the butter has not melted. If the mixture becomes too hot to comfortably stick your finger in it, put it in the fridge for a few minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar and stir. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes. It should be nice and foamy.*

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl or stand mixer.

Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cardamom, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 large egg yolk. Beat well.

Add half of the flour. If you are using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook if you're not already using it. Add the remaining flour and mix (or stir by hand) until the mixture has formed a soft dough. You can add a bit more flour if you think the dough is too sticky. Add the least amount of flour that you can to get a workable dough.

Knead the dough with the dough hook or by hand for 5 minutes.

Spray a large clean bowl with oil, or rub with a little butter. Shape the dough into a ball and place in the greased bowl. Turn it over so the top is oiled. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm place** to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, use butter or nonstick spray to grease a 9x13 inch pan.

Punch down the dough. Use your hands to fold in 1/2 cup pearl sugar. This step is optional. Most of the sugar will dissolve, but some of them will leave you with little nuggets of crunch through your rolls. It's delightful!

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball (pinch one end with your fingers).

Place the rolls into the well-greased 9x13 inch pan.

Use a fork to beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Add 2 teaspoons water.

Brush the top of each roll generously with the egg wash.

Sprinkle each roll with a little cardamom.

Top each roll with a little pile of pearl sugar, however much you can fit on!

Cover the pan with a tea towel and let the rolls rise in a warm spot for another 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size. When they are almost done rising, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Make sure to remove the rolls from the oven if they are rising in there!

Bake at 375 for 14-18 minutes or until golden brown all across the top. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before digging in.

Eat hot! These are really good with a glass of milk, or a mug of hot cocoa or coffee. (At least I assume it would be! I don't drink coffee.)