Swedish Cinnamon Buns: Kanelbullar Recipe

Swedish Cinnamon Buns: Kanelbullar Recipe

Kanelbullar are Sweden's national treat with their own official celebration on 4 October (National Cinnamon Bun Day). Soft cardamom dough with a filling of butter, cinnamon and sugar — nothing is cosier.

History of the dish

Swedish cinnamon buns differ from American ones: cardamom in the dough is the key Swedish feature. They are shaped into knots or snails and topped with pearl sugar. The word 'bulle' simply means 'roll' in Swedish.

Key ingredients

Yeasted dough: flour, milk, yeast, butter, sugar, egg, ground cardamom. Filling: soft butter, sugar, ground cinnamon. Topping: egg wash and pearl sugar.

How to cook at home

For the knot shape, roll the dough into a rectangle, spread the filling, fold in half, cut into strips and twist each into a knot. Prove for 40–60 minutes before baking — they should visibly puff up.