Heat the milk in a saucepan until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the warm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and ground cardamom. Add the softened butter and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid or twist them as desired.

Place the braided dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar, if using. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the pulla bread in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage!