Sweden · Northern Europe

Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)

Name: Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Yield: 16 buns
Cuisine: Sweden
Ingredients: 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour; 240 ml (1 cup) warm milk; 7 g (2 tsp) instant yeast; 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar; 80 g (6 tbsp) butter, softened; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1/2 tsp salt; 100 g (7 tbsp) softened butter; 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar; 2 tbsp cinnamon; 1 egg for wash; Pearl sugar

Cardamom-scented swirls with pearl sugar

🛂 Passport Stamp No.016 · Postmarked in Sweden

👦 Baked by Axl

45m

Prep

12m

Bake

16 buns

Makes

Intermediate

Level

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Postmark · Sweden

🏛 A little history

Kanelbullar became popular in Sweden in the 20th century as home baking and affordable spices spread. They are so beloved that Sweden marks an official Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day) on October 4.

What sets the Swedish version apart is cardamom in the dough and a topping of pearl sugar rather than heavy icing, giving a less sweet, more aromatic bun.

👩‍🍳 Let's bake!

Mix dough ingredients and knead until smooth, about 8 minutes. Rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Roll into a large rectangle. Spread the filling (butter creamed with sugar and cinnamon) evenly.
Fold the dough in thirds, then roll out again and cut into long strips.
Twist each strip and knot it into a bun; place on a lined sheet.
Proof 45 minutes until puffy.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.

💡 Chef Axl's tips

Cardamom is essential — grind seeds fresh if you can.
Pearl sugar keeps them Swedish; skip the heavy glaze.

Pantry

All-Purpose Flour

The everyday workhorse for cakes, cookies, and breads.

🧺 Pantry staple

Pantry

Sugar

Sweetens and helps bakes turn golden and tender.

🧺 Pantry staple

Pantry

Brown Sugar

Adds sweetness and a soft, chewy texture.

🧺 Pantry staple

Pantry

Vanilla Extract

A splash of warm, sweet aroma in every batter.

🧺 Pantry staple

Tools

Parchment Paper

Non-stick lining so nothing sticks to the pan.

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Tools

Rolling Pin

Tapered hardwood pin for smooth, even rolling.

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Tools

Bench Scraper

Cuts dough and scoops up your workspace in one move.

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Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)

🏛 A little history

👩‍🍳 Let's bake!

💡 Chef Axl's tips

Shop this recipe

All-Purpose Flour

Sugar

Brown Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Parchment Paper

Rolling Pin

Bench Scraper

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