BreakfastSwedishMedium

Traditional Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Sweet Cardamom Filling

Soft, spiced kanelbullar with a rich cardamom filling and a golden crust in about 90 minutes.

About This Recipe

These Traditional Swedish Cinnamon Buns, or kanelbullar, are soft and spiced with a fragrant cardamom filling. The make-or-break move is letting the dough rise until fluffy.

Kanelbullar are a beloved Swedish treat, known for their rich cardamom flavor and soft, pillowy texture. The dough is enriched with butter, creating a tender bun that's perfect for any time of day.

Using instant yeast allows for a quicker rise, so we don’t have to wait long for that fluffiness. Keep an eye on the dough; it should double in size for the best results.

You can expect a soft, warm bun with a sweet, spiced filling that melts in your mouth. One common pitfall is under-kneading the dough, which can lead to a dense texture — knead until smooth and elastic.

Serve these warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit.

Why This Recipe Works

Warm Dough Rises Fluffy: The warmth activates the yeast, allowing the dough to rise and develop a light texture.
Spiced Filling Melts In: The brown sugar and cinnamon filling creates a gooey center that enhances the flavor of each bite.
Golden Crust Signals Done: Baking until golden ensures the outside is crisp while the inside remains soft and tender.

Chef's Pro Tip: Knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic for the best texture; this usually takes about 10 minutes.

Pinar - MsPinaQ

2026-10-15

Recipe by MsPinaQ

0(0 reviews)

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

60 min

Total Time

90 min

Servings

Handy tools while you cook

All tools

Cups → Grams Oven °C / °F Servings

Directions

1
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2
Add flour, ground cardamom, salt, butter, and the egg to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
4
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
5
Roll the dough tightly into a log, slice into 1-inch pieces, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
6
Cover the buns and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Brush with the beaten egg mixed with water.
7
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.