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Swedish Cinnamon Buns

by Rebecca / Saturday, 01 December 2018 / Published in Buns & Brownies
These Swedish cinnamon buns are made with cardamom and active dry yeast.

This Swedish Cinnamon Buns recipe is what Scandinavian dreams are made of. Piles of these cinnamon rolls sit in the windows of bakeries all over Stockholm. It’s impossible to walk around the city without seeing them everywhere. 

In this recipe, I outline three different versions of Swedish cinnamon buns. A traditional kanelbullar (the Swedish word for cinnamon buns) is topped with just Swedish pearl sugar. Oftentimes in Sweden, you can also find them topped with powdered sugar as well. Both of these options are outlined below. I’ve also included a third option, which puts an American spin on these buns by drizzling them with a cinnamon cardamom icing.

About a dozen Swedish cinnamon buns are piled on a cutting board.

What are Swedish Cinnamon Buns?

The Swedes take the claim to fame when it comes to cinnamon buns. It’s believed that this delicious treat originated in Sweden, marking yet another reason why the Nordic countries are so spectacular. Most notably, a Swedish cinnamon bun is made with dough that contains cardamom. They are also usually twisted and topped with Swedish pearl sugar.

A few Swedish cinnamon buns rest on a cloth napkin.

Swedish Cinnamon Buns vs. American Cinnamon Rolls

Swedish cinnamon buns differ from American ones in a few different ways. First, American cinnamon buns do not normally contain cardamom. This is a wildly popular spice in Scandinavia, yet it’s seldom used in American baking. Second, kanelbullar are usually twisted rather than rolled. Third, and this is a big one, Swedish cinnamon buns traditionally do not contain icing of any kind. In fact, icing on cinnamon buns would almost be frowned upon in Sweden.

Two Swedish cinnamon buns rest on a plate next to a cup of coffee.

How to Make Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Swedish cinnamon buns are really fun to make on a cold winter day. For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the dough

  • 1 cup of warm milk
  • 1 packet of instant dry yeast
  • 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp of salted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp of ground cardamom
  • 3-4 cups of bread flour

For the filling

  • ½ cup (1 stick) or salted butter, softened
  • 2 Tbsp of ground cinnamon
  • ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ cup of dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp of ground cardamom

For the topping

  • 1 large egg
  • Swedish pearl sugar

Optional Powdered Sugar Topping

  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon

Optional Cinnamon Cardamom Icing

  • 2 Tbsp of salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp of half & half
  • ½ tsp of ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp of ground cardamom

To begin, get out your KitchenAid mixer and attach the dough hook. In the bowl, add in 1 packet of instant dry yeast (such as Fleischmann’s RapidRise) and 1 cup of warm milk. Be sure that the milk is not hot, or else it will kill the yeast. Mix the milk and dough with the hook on low speed for just a few seconds to get the two incorporated.

Next, add in the sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg and mix on medium speed. Then, add in the cardamom and mix again on medium speed. It’s fine if the butter and egg do not incorporate at this stage. After that, add in the bread flour one cup at a time. I like to use bread flour in cinnamon bun recipes because it makes them nice and soft. You may need to use a rubber spatula to scrape the flour from the sides of the bowl as needed to get it fully incorporated into the dough.

After adding three cups of bread flour, touch the dough to test its consistency. If it is still sticking to your fingers, then start to add more bread flour in ¼ cup at a time until no dough is on the sides of your KitchenAid mixer bowl and until you can handle it without it sticking to your hands.

Once the dough is ready, remove it from the dough hook and the bowl and place it on a clean, lightly-floured (with bread flour) surface. Knead the dough into a ball. Next, lightly grease a large mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a cloth napkin and let rise for one hour. After that timeframe, the dough should have doubled in size.

How to Roll Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Once your dough has risen, remove it from the mixing bowl and place it again on a clean, lightly-floured surface. Now, your goal is to roll the dough out into a square that is about 1 foot by 1 foot. You can place a tape measure next to the dough as you roll to ensure that you stay on track. You can also use your hands to shape the dough into a square as you go.

The dough for these Swedish cinnamon buns had been rolled out into a square.

Once you have your square, it’s time to sprinkle on the filling. Pop one stick of butter in the microwave to soften it, then using a silicone pastry brush apply the butter to the dough evenly.

A baker brushes butter onto the Swedish cinnamon buns dough.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, and cardamom using a fork, breaking up the chunks of brown sugar as you mix the ingredients together. Then, use a spoon to sprinkle the mixture on top of the butter, covering the surface of the dough entirely.

The filling has been applied completely to the dough for this Swedish cinnamon buns recipe.

Once the filling has been added, it’s time to fold the dough. The dough should be folded in thirds, like a business letter. In other words, fold one side in towards the middle about halfway and then fold the other side on top of it.

One side of the dough has been folded inwards for the Swedish cinnamon buns.

The dough for the Swedish cinnamon buns has been folded into thirds.

With the dough folded properly, you now want to roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 15-16” long and 7-8” inches high. Next, you’ll want to cut the dough into strips (the short way, not the long way.) Use a tape measure to divide the dough equally into 12 parts. For me, this meant making marks in the dough at about every 1 ½ inches, and then using a dough cutter or knife to cut all 12 pieces.

The dough for the Swedish cinnamon buns has been cut into strips.

Next comes the fun part.

How to Shape Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Twisting Swedish cinnamon buns can be intimidating, but it’s actually easier than it seems. Take a strip of dough and hold both ends of it in either hand. Gently tug on the dough to lengthen it. Then, begin twisting the dough, letting gravity control the motion as you slowly swing the strip in the air.

A baker holds a strip of dough as she forms these Swedish cinnamon buns.

A baker twists the strip of dough to form the Swedish cinnamon buns.

Next, wrap the twisted dough around one of your hands (at this point you should still be holding on to both ends of the strip.) After wrapping it around your hand one to two times, take the loose end and tuck it into the middle of the circle. Voilà!

A baker wraps the twisted strip of dough around her hand.

A baker tucks an end of the twisted dough strip into the middle of the bun.

Once you have twisted all of the cinnamon buns, place them on a clean counter and cover with a cloth napkin. Let rise again for another hour. When the hour is almost up, set your oven to 325 degrees. When the buns are done rising, we’ll want to add the final touch—the Swedish pearl sugar!

A container of Swedish pearl sugar from King Arthur Flour is on display.

Transfer the buns to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. In order to apply the sugar, we will first need to brush the buns with an egg wash. Crack one large egg into a small bowl and scramble it with a fork. Then, use a rubber pastry brush to paint the egg onto the top of each bun. Finally, use a spoon to sprinkle each one with the Swedish pearl sugar. If you can’t get your hands on Swedish pearl sugar, you could instead top these buns with shaved almonds. 

A baker sprinkles the Swedish pearl sugar onto the top of the cinnamon buns.

Every oven is different, so it’s hard to pin down exactly how long you will need to bake these buns for. It should range from anywhere between 15-25 minutes. I like to begin checking on them at about the 15-minute mark. You can use a spatula to peek at the bottom of the buns to ensure they aren’t burning. For me, it took 27 minutes in the oven for these Swedish cinnamon buns to be just right! Let them cool for at least ten minutes before serving or adding the optional toppings.

The traditional Swedish cinnamon buns option is on display next to a dala horse.

Powdered Sugar Topping Option

If you opt to sprinkle your kanelbullar with powdered sugar, then measure out one cup of it and strain it through a sieve into a medium-sized bowl. Then, do the same thing with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to combine the sugar and the cinnamon. Then, pour the powdered cinnamon sugar into a flour sifter to softly distribute the mixture on top of the buns!

The powdered sugar version of these Swedish cinnamon buns is on display next to a dala horse.

Cinnamon Cardamom Icing Option

If you want to go the American way and drizzle your cinnamon buns with icing, you’ll love this delicious cinnamon cardamom one. In a small bowl, melt 2 Tbsp of salted butter. Then, add one cup of powdered sugar, 2 Tbsp of half & half, ½ tsp of ground cinnamon, and ¼ tsp of ground cardamom. Use a whisk to combine all of the ingredients. Then, use a spoon to slowly drizzle the icing on top of the buns!

A bowl of cinnamon cardamom icing is on display for the Swedish cinnamon buns.

The cinnamon cardamom icing version of this Swedish cinnamon buns recipe is on display next to a dala horse.

Fika time!

In Sweden, there is an amazing tradition called fika. Sometimes translated into English as a “coffee break,” fika is actually so much more. It’s the commitment to treat yourself and de-stress—ultimately, it’s an act of self care.

Every afternoon in Sweden, it’s perfectly acceptable and expected to go out and have a cup of coffee and a pastry, either alone or with friends. In America, we might do a quick coffee run in the middle of the workday which usually consists of just picking up coffee and going back to the office, not really taking the time to take a moment. In Sweden, fika is just as much about slowing down and taking time for yourself as it is about coffee or pastry.

That being said, Swedish cinnamon buns are a fika staple. So bring a little bit of Sweden into your life and enjoy these buns while unwinding with a cup of hot coffee.

These Swedish cinnamon buns are a fika staple.

A few Swedish cinnamon buns topped with powdered sugar rest on a cutting board.

These Swedish cinnamon buns are made with cardamom and active dry yeast.

Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Scandinavian, Swedish
Keyword: swedish cinnamon buns
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12

This Swedish Cinnamon Buns recipe is what Scandinavian dreams are made of. 

Print

Ingredients

The Dough

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 packet instant dry yeast
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 Tbsp softened butter salted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 3-4 cups bread flour

The Filling

  • 1/2 cup (or one stick) of softened butter salted
  • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom

The Topping

  • 1 large egg
  • Swedish pearl sugar

Optional Powdered Sugar Topping

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Cinnamon Cardamom Glaze

  • 2 Tbsp melted butter salted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp half & half
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions

The Dough

  1. To begin, get out your KitchenAid mixer and attach the dough hook. In the bowl, add in 1 packet of instant dry yeast and 1 cup of warm milk. Mix the milk and dough with the hook on low speed for just a few seconds to get the two incorporated.

  2. Next, add in the sugar, salt, softened butter, and egg and mix on medium speed. Then, add in the cardamom and mix again on medium speed. After that, add in the bread flour one cup at a time. 

  3. After adding three cups of bread flour, touch the dough to test its consistency. If it is still sticking to your fingers, then start to add more bread flour in ¼ cup at a time until no dough is on the sides of your KitchenAid mixer bowl and until you can handle it without it sticking to your hands.

  4. Once the dough is ready, remove it from the dough hook and the bowl and place it on a clean, lightly-floured (with bread flour) surface. Knead the dough into a ball. Next, lightly grease a large mixing bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a cloth napkin and let rise for one hour. 

  5. Once your dough has risen, remove it from the mixing bowl and place it again on a clean, lightly-floured surface. Roll the dough into a square that is about 1 foot by 1 foot. 

The Filling

  1. Once you have your square, pop one stick of butter in the microwave to soften it, then using a silicone pastry brush apply the butter to the dough evenly.

  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cinnamon, sugar, brown sugar, and cardamom using a fork, breaking up the chunks of brown sugar as you mix the ingredients together. Then, use a spoon to sprinkle the mixture on top of the butter, covering the surface of the dough entirely.

  3. Once the filling has been added, it’s time to fold the dough. The dough should be folded in thirds, like a business letter. In other words, fold one side in towards the middle about halfway and then fold the other side on top of it.

  4. With the dough folded properly, you now want to roll it out into a rectangle that’s about 15-16” long and 7-8” inches high. Next, you’ll want to cut the dough into strips (the short way, not the long way.) Use a tape measure to divide the dough equally into 12 parts. 

Shaping the Dough Into Twists

  1. Take a strip of dough and hold both ends of it in either hand. Gently tug on the dough to lengthen it. Then, begin twisting the dough, letting gravity control the motion as you slowly swing the strip in the air.

  2. Next, wrap the twisted dough around one of your hands (at this point you should still be holding on to both ends of the strip.) After wrapping it around your hand one to two times, take the loose end and tuck it into the middle of the circle. Voilà!

  3. Once you have twisted all of the cinnamon buns, place them on a clean counter and cover with a cloth napkin. Let rise again for another hour. When the hour is almost up, set your oven to 325 degrees.

The Topping

  1. After the buns are done rising, transfer them to a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Then, crack one large egg into a small bowl and scramble it with a fork. Using a rubber pastry brush, paint the egg onto the top of each bun.

  2. Use a spoon to sprinkle each bun with Swedish pearl sugar. 

  3. Every oven is different, so it’s hard to pin down exactly how long you will need to bake these buns for. It should range from anywhere between 15-25 minutes. 

Optional Powdered Sugar Topping

  1. If you opt to sprinkle your kanelbullar with powdered sugar, then measure out one cup of it and strain it through a sieve into a medium-sized bowl. Then, do the same thing with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon.

  2. Use a whisk to combine the sugar and the cinnamon. Then, pour the powdered cinnamon sugar into a flour sifter to softly distribute the mixture on top of the buns!

Optional Cinnamon Cardamom Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, melt the butter. Then, add the powdered sugar, half & half, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Use a whisk to combine all of the ingredients. 

  2. Then, use a spoon to slowly drizzle the icing on top of the buns!

If you like this recipe, be sure to pin it!

With this Swedish Cinnamon Buns recipe, you'll think you're in Stockholm! Check it out now!  SWEDISH KANELBULLAR RECIPE! View it now, you won't regret it.

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12 Comments to “ Swedish Cinnamon Buns”

  1. Susan Hofstetter says :Reply
    December 2, 2018 at 10:30 am

    I think I might make these for a cookie exchange. It will provide a bit of a change – but very festive

  2. Alisa Infanti says :Reply
    December 20, 2018 at 8:28 am

    5 stars
    These look beautiful I love the twist in them. I wanted a nice cinnamon bun recipe for Christmas morning and I think now I have it simply because these are so pretty. I have never seen pearl sugar before? Will have to try and find some.

    1. Rebecca says :Reply
      December 20, 2018 at 9:51 am

      Thank you! I’m going to be making these again for Christmas dessert myself 🙂 I did have the order the pearl sugar online. You could always substitute with coarse sugar.

  3. Heather says :Reply
    December 20, 2018 at 8:38 am

    I absolutely LOVE cinnamon rolls, but the icing can sometimes make them overly sweet. I think these would be perfect with the light dusting of sugar and the cardamom will really help bring out the warmth in the flavors. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    1. Rebecca says :Reply
      December 20, 2018 at 9:53 am

      Thank you Heather! I agree about the icing. These buns have so many great flavors on them that the icing option does drown out some of the key flavors.

  4. Lullaby Lark says :Reply
    December 20, 2018 at 8:45 am

    These sound amazing! I want to incorporate these and the idea of fika into my life!

    1. Rebecca says :Reply
      December 20, 2018 at 9:52 am

      Thank you! Yes! Fika is fantastic. If you’re interested in it, I would read up on hygge as well 🙂

  5. Denise says :Reply
    December 20, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Those sound delicious, especially with the cardamom. Yum!

  6. Heather says :Reply
    December 20, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    These look divine! I discovered the cinnamon rolls in Gothenburg years ago. So good. There’s nothing like cardamom!

  7. May Britt Hartman says :Reply
    September 22, 2022 at 10:52 am

    5 stars
    I have made these several times now, and the recipe never disappoints! I grew up in Norway, and these take me home! I use a pastry brush and brush, simple sugar on top, just as they come out of the oven. Keeps them moist! No need for icing or powdered sugar.

  8. May Britt Hartman says :Reply
    September 22, 2022 at 10:52 am

    5 stars
    I have made these several times now, and the recipe never disappoints! I grew up in Norway, and these take me home! I use a pastry brush and brush simple sugar on top, just as they come out of the oven. Keeps them moist! No need for icing or powdered sugar.

    1. Rebecca says :Reply
      September 22, 2022 at 11:00 am

      I love that this has become a go-to recipe for you May! 🙂 I have family in Sweden and they would agree with you that icing does not belong on a cinnamon bun. I will have to try brushing simple sugar on top, that sounds yummy.

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REBECCA

My love of baking didn't begin until my husband taught me how to use a Kitchen Aid mixer, but the rest is now history.

"There was the doughty doughnut, the tender oly koek, and the crisp and crumbling cruller; sweet cakes and short cakes, ginger cakes and honey cakes, and the whole family of cakes. And then there were apple pies, and peach pies, and pumpkin pies; besides slices of ham and smoked beef; and moreover delectable dishes of preserved plums, and peaches, and pears, and quinces; not to mention broiled shad and roasted chickens; together with bowls of milk and cream, all mingled higgledy-piggledy, pretty much as I have enumerated them, with the motherly teapot sending up its clouds of vapor from the midst."

-The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving

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