Oh yes, Kanelbullar — those iconic Swedish cinnamon buns that are soft, fragrant, and perfectly spiced! They’re a staple of fika (Swedish coffee breaks) and incredibly satisfying to bake and eat.
Here’s a classic recipe for soft, buttery, and beautifully twisted Kanelbullar:
🇸🇪 Kanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Buns)
Makes: About 20 buns | Prep Time: 30 mins | Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours | Bake Time: 10–12 mins
🛒 Ingredients:
Dough:
-
1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
-
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
-
⅔ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
-
1 tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cardamom (optional but traditional!)
-
3 ½–4 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
-
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Topping:
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
-
Pearl sugar or coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate Yeast
-
Warm milk in a small pot or microwave until lukewarm (not hot).
-
Stir yeast into warm milk and let it bloom for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough
-
In a large bowl, combine sugar, melted butter, salt, and cardamom.
-
Add yeast mixture and gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.
3. Prepare Filling
-
Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon until creamy.
4. Shape Buns
-
Roll out dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
-
Spread cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
-
Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
-
Slice into 1-inch pieces.
5. Create Swirls
-
You can leave them as spiral buns or twist each slice before placing on the baking sheet for the classic Swedish twist.
6. Second Rise
-
Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
7. Bake
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Brush buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
-
Bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
🍽️ Tips:
-
Cardamom adds that signature Swedish flavor, but omit if you prefer plain cinnamon buns.
-
Use pearl sugar for authentic topping — regular coarse sugar works in a pinch.
-
Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Want me to share a vegan version, or a recipe for Swedish saffron buns (Lussekatter) next?
