Swedish Buns

There’s a special kind of magic in the ritual of baking Swedish buns. The scent of warm cardamom and cinnamon fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly morning. Whether you’re making them as part of a cherished family tradition or simply treating yourself to a sweet, homemade delight, these buns are a celebration of comfort and nostalgia. Soft, fragrant, and topped with crunchy pearl sugar, Swedish buns bring a taste of Scandinavian warmth straight to your table.

The first time I had a fresh batch of kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns) was in my grandmother’s kitchen. She would hum softly as she kneaded the dough, always reminding me to be patient during the rising process. I remember eagerly watching the buns turn golden brown in the oven, their rich aroma filling every corner of the house. When they were finally ready, we’d sit together with steaming mugs of coffee, tearing into the delicate, spiced layers. It was more than just a snack; it was a moment of togetherness, a reminder that the simplest joys often taste the best.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Buns (Nordic Sweet Rolls)

• Rich in flavor: The combination of cardamom, cinnamon, and sugar makes each bite irresistibly aromatic.
• Perfectly soft and chewy: A well-kneaded dough creates a soft and airy texture.
• Great for any occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these buns are always a hit.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings like vanilla, saffron, or almond paste.
• Authentic Swedish tradition: Enjoy a classic Nordic treat the way it’s meant to be!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Traditional Swedish Buns

First: Gathering Ingredients and Tools for Authentic Kanelbullar

Before you begin, make sure you have the right ingredients and tools ready:

Key Ingredients for Swedish Yeast Buns:

• All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups)
• Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
• Ground cardamom (2 teaspoons)
• Fine sea salt (3/4 teaspoon)
• Milk (1 cup, warmed to 110°F)
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, softened)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, for filling)
• Ground cinnamon (2 tablespoons, for filling)
• Egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water)
• Pearl sugar (for topping)

Essential Baking Tools for Making Scandinavian Buns:

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Stand mixer (optional but recommended)

Second: Preparing the Dough for Fluffy Swedish Sweet Rolls

1. Heat the milk and butter. Warm the milk and butter in a saucepan until they reach 110°F. If too hot, let it cool slightly.
2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough. Knead on a floured surface for 7–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Let it rise. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

Third: Preparing the Cinnamon-Cardamom Filling for Traditional Kanelbullar

1. Mix ingredients. In a bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
2. Roll out the dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 22×15-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the filling. Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture across the dough.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, you might want to try Ricotta Stuffed Shells as a savory complement to your Swedish buns.

Fourth: Shaping the Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)

1. Fold and roll again. Fold the dough into thirds (like a letter) and roll slightly.
2. Cut into strips. Using a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 2×8-inch strips.
3. Twist and shape. Take each strip, twist several times, then wrap around two fingers to form a knot.
4. Place on baking sheet. Arrange buns on a parchment-lined tray.
5. Let them rise again. Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rise for 45–60 minutes.

If you’re looking for more delicious baked goods, check out this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf that pairs beautifully with a warm, homemade bun.

Fifth: Baking the Best Swedish Buns

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Brush with egg wash. Gently coat each bun with whisked egg and water.
3. Sprinkle with pearl sugar. This gives the buns their traditional Scandinavian crunch.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
5. Cool and enjoy! Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For a heartier meal idea to go with these buns, you can try this Crockpot Beef and Noodles recipe, which is a great slow-cooked comfort food.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Swedish Buns (Fika Treats!)

Making Swedish buns at home is easier than you might think! With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy these authentic Nordic pastries fresh from your oven. Whether you prefer kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns), they’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful Swedish fika.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments, or tag us on social media with your homemade Swedish buns. Happy baking!

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