There is nothing more Swedish than a freshly baked kanelbulle – the Swedish cinnamon bun. Cinnamon and cardamom laced and soft and buttery, this pastry is a Swedish house and cafe staple, particularly when it comes to fika (the Swedish coffee break).
And in case you have ever wished to prepare some real Swedish kanelbullar, then this simple kanelbullar recipe will help you to do it step-by-step. You can be an experienced baker or a beginner but you will be surprised at the simplicity of these buns and their satisfaction.
What Is a Kanelbulle?
Kanelbulle in Swedish translates to cinnamon bun. However, as opposed to the clingy American cinnamon rolls with icing on them, Swedish kanelbullar are less sweet, more spiced, and frequently sprinkled with pearl sugar to provide a light crunch. They are ideal at breakfast time, as a midday snack or any other time you want a warm bite of something sweet with your coffee or tea.
Their peculiarity lies in the fact that they have a hint of cardamom in the dough, which is a spice that gives these buns a specific Nordic taste and smell.
Ingredients (Makes about 15 buns)
For the dough:
- 1½ tsp active dry yeast
- 240 ml warm milk (not too hot, about 37°C / 100°F)
- 450 g (about 3 cups) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 50 g softened butter
For the filling:
- 100 g softened butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
For the topping:
- 1 beaten egg
- Pearl sugar (or coarse sugar, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Heat the milk at the brewer and pour it into a small bowl and yeast into it. Allow to rest 510 minutes until foamy. This is an indication that your yeast is alive and it is prepared to assist the dough in rising.
- Prepare the dough: Put the flour, sugar, salt (a pinch), and ground cardamom in a big mixing bowl. Add the yeast mixture that is foamy and hardened butter. Knead and mix the dough until it is smooth and elastic – 5-7 minutes with hands or 3 minutes with a stand mixer.
- Rest the dough: Wrap the dough in a clean kitchen towel and leave it to rest in approximately 20 minutes. This brief pause facilitates its rolling out later.
- Roll out and fill: Roll the dough on a slightly floured surface to a rectangle shape some 45×35 cm (18×14 inches). Combine the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and evenly spread the mixture over the dough leaving a 1 cm border around the edges.
- Roll and cut: Beginning on the long side roll the dough loosely into a log. Divide it into some 15 equal slices, approximately 3 cm thick.
- Second rise: Arrange the buns on a baking sheet with parchment paper with some distance in between. Towel over and allow to rise approximately 90 minutes or until it has almost doubled in size.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (375°F). Beat the tops of the buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake 17-20 minutes or till golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the kanelbullar to cool down a bit and serve. They are best served hot with a cup of coffee – just as the Swedes like them.
Tips for Perfect Swedish Kanelbullar
- Warm milk is key: Excessively hot and it may kill the yeast, excessively cold and the dough will not rise well. Aim for body temperature.
- Cardamom matters: It is the hidden spice which makes Swedish cinnamon buns different. Freshly ground cardamom pods are the most flavorful.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to rise is necessary in order to have soft, fluffy buns.
- Freeze for later: Kanelbullar freeze well. You only need to reheat in the oven or microwave and serve.
The Heart of Fika
Kanelbullar are not only pastries in Sweden, but also a part of a favorite tradition known as fika. Fika is about making a break in your day and savoring coffee, a chat and a pastry. These cinnamon buns tend to be the focus of that moment, symbolizing comfort, companionship and the uncomplicated pleasures of life.
This simple Swedish kanelbullar recept makes Scandinavia come directly to your kitchen. The buns are made with soft, fluffy dough and rich cinnamon filling, and topped with the famous layer of pearl sugar, which makes every bite of the bun a warm and happy one.
These cinnamon buns are just the thing to have at breakfast or coffee breaks or to share with loved ones, and Swedish baking is all about simplicity, taste and heart. Make a cup of coffee, bake a tray of kanelbullar and have your own fika at home.
