Name: Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: PT-490151H40M25S
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups flour; ¼ cup sugar; 2 tsp yeast; 1 tsp cardamom; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup warm milk; 4 tbsp melted butter; 1 egg; 4 tbsp softened butter; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tbsp cinnamon; 1 egg (for egg wash); Pearl sugar, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful treat that invites you to slow down and savor the moment, this Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe is exactly what you need. These soft, lightly sweet buns infused with fragrant cardamom and topped with crunchy pearl sugar offer a perfect balance of warmth and elegance. Unlike the gooey American cinnamon rolls, kanelbullar are subtly spiced and not overpoweringly sweet, making them an iconic choice for fika, the beloved Swedish coffee break that’s all about coziness and connection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Five white ramekins arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding a different ingredient: top left holds a dark brown powder, top right contains a smooth light beige liquid, bottom left has a bright yellow melted substance, bottom center is filled with thin pale almond slices, and bottom right is a larger ramekin full of fine white granulated sugar, all evenly spaced in a loose cluster. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role in recreating the authentic flavor and texture — from the fragrant cardamom to the creamy butter that enriches the dough.

3 ¼ cups flour: The foundation for your soft and airy dough, providing structure with just the right chew.
¼ cup sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices without overwhelming them.
2 tsp yeast: The engine of the recipe, helping your dough rise beautifully and get that tender crumb.
1 tsp cardamom: An essential Nordic spice, cardamom brings that unmistakable warm and citrusy aroma.
½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
1 cup warm milk: Softens the dough and helps activate the yeast, creating a tender texture.
4 tbsp melted butter: Enriches the dough for buttery softness and contributes to a golden crust.
1 egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
4 tbsp softened butter (for filling): Provides a creamy base to hold the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
¼ cup sugar (for filling): Sweetens the filling without turning it into a sticky mess.
1 tbsp cinnamon (for filling): Offers robust warmth and that classic cinnamon flavor.
Pearl sugar (for topping): Gives a crunchy, decorative finish that’s perfectly traditional.

How to Make Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Start by mixing warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a bowl and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This little pause allows the yeast to wake up and bubble, guaranteeing light, fluffy buns ahead.

Step 2: Prepare and Knead the Dough

To the activated yeast mixture, add the flour, salt, cardamom, melted butter, and egg. Knead everything together until you have a smooth, elastic dough. Don’t rush this part — kneading activates the gluten to create that perfect tender bite. Then, cover your dough and let it rise for about an hour. Watching it puff up is always magical.

Step 3: Roll Out and Add Filling

Once risen, roll your dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture all over. This is where the sweet and spicy heart of your buns comes alive.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Fold your dough neatly, then cut it into strips. Twist or braid each strip into a bun and place them carefully on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let these beauties have a second rise of about 30 minutes — this step guarantees a light, airy final texture.

Step 5: Final Touches and Bake

Before sending your buns to the oven, brush them with an egg wash to impart a beautiful golden sheen. Sprinkle generously with pearl sugar to add a delightfully sweet crunch. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and perfectly cooked through.

How to Serve Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe

The image shows several twisted cinnamon buns on a baking sheet with a warm golden brown color. Each bun has multiple visible layers twisted together, showing a mix of shiny glazed dough and dark brown cinnamon filling inside. The tops of the buns are sprinkled with white coarse sugar crystals. The background is blurred but includes a person wearing a chunky blue sweater, with a woman's hand reaching from the left side holding the edge of the tray. The surface under the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A classic finishing touch is a sprinkle of pearl sugar which adds texture and visual charm, but feel free to add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness if you like. Freshly ground cardamom sprinkled on top accentuates that elegant spice beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Swedish Cinnamon Buns alongside a warm cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte — perfect for a relaxing fika moment. A side of fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can brighten up the plate while complementing the gentle sweetness of the buns.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the buns on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of softened butter and homemade jam. For special occasions, present them in a cloth-lined basket, inviting guests to help themselves to this heartwarming treat. Wrapping individual buns in parchment paper also makes for darling homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Swedish Cinnamon Buns keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to preserve their soft texture and avoid any drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy kanelbullar later, freeze the fully cooled buns in a sealable plastic bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight at room temperature and refresh by warming.

Reheating

Reheat your buns gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes or microwave on low power for a few seconds. This quick step revives their fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness.

FAQs

What makes kanelbullar different from American cinnamon rolls?

Kanelbullar are less sweet and less gooey than American cinnamon rolls, with a unique addition of cardamom that adds a lovely aromatic warmth, creating a more subtle and elegant flavor profile.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just mix it with the dry ingredients and adjust the liquid temperature accordingly since instant yeast doesn’t require activation in warm liquid first.

Is cardamom essential in this Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe?

Absolutely! Cardamom is the defining spice that gives these buns their traditional Swedish flavor. While you could omit it, it won’t be quite the same authentic experience.

Can I make the dough in a bread machine?

Definitely! Combine all ingredients in your bread machine and use the dough cycle. Then proceed with shaping, filling, and baking as usual.

How long do kanelbullar stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe — it invites you to breathe, enjoy, and connect over simple but deeply satisfying flavors. Whether you’re new to Nordic treats or a longtime fan, these buns will quickly become a cherished favorite. So grab your apron and start baking — your perfect fika moment awaits!