Dissolve yeast in warm water in a bowl.

Add warm milk, sugar, softened butter, 2 eggs, ground cardamom, salt, and 6 cups of flour to the yeast mixture.

Beat until smooth.

Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface.

Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.

Punch the dough down.

Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Divide the dough into fourths.

Divide each portion into thirds.

Shape each third into a 12-inch rope.

Place three ropes on a greased surface and braid them together.

Pinch the ends to seal and tuck them under.

Repeat the braiding process with the remaining dough.

Cover the braided loaves and let them rise in a warm place until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.

Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the loaves.

Sprinkle the loaves with additional sugar.

Bake the loaves at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove the loaves from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool.