Swedish Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Buns)
Kanelbulle are Swedish cinnamon buns. They are soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon flavour. People in Sweden love to eat them during their coffee breaks. The bun has a golden-brown colour and a rich, buttery taste. Pearl sugar is sprinkled on the top to add extra sweetness and texture.
Swedes take their coffee breaks, known as fika, very seriously. During fika, friends, family, or coworkers gather to enjoy coffee and a sweet treat. The kanelbulle is one of the most popular choices for fika. It is comforting, delicious, and easy to share. This simple tradition brings people together and creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
How to Make Kanelbullar?
You can make kanelbulle (Swedish cinnamon buns) with simple ingredients. Mix flour, sugar, butter, milk, and yeast to make a soft dough. You can also add cardamom, a common spice in Swedish baking, to give the buns a special flavour. After letting the dough rise, they roll it out and spread a filling of butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Then, they shape the dough into spirals or twists before baking them until golden brown. The final touch is a sprinkle of pearl sugar on top.
Cardamom in Kanelbulle
Cardamom is a common spice in Swedish baking. It is added to the dough to give the buns a warm and slightly citrusy flavour. The combination of cardamom and cinnamon creates a unique taste that makes Swedish cinnamon buns special. Some people prefer a stronger cardamom flavour, while others like a milder taste. If you enjoy aromatic spices, you should add cardamom to your kanelbulle. However, if you prefer a simple cinnamon bun, you can skip it. It’s up to you!
Craving more delicious homemade treats? Be sure to explore my other bread and bun recipes for even more sweet and savoury inspiration!
Pearl Sugar and Its Alternative
Pearl sugar is a special type of sugar used in baking. It has large, white crystals that do not melt in the oven. It is sprinkled on kanelbullar to give them a sweet crunch. Pearl sugar makes the buns look pretty and adds texture. If you cannot find pearl sugar, you can use crushed sugar cubes as an alternative. Simply break the cubes into small pieces and sprinkle them on top. Coarse white sugar can also work, but it may melt slightly while baking. These alternatives help create a similar look and taste.
Freshly baked Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) – soft and sweet!
You can see the pearl sugar sprinkled on top for that classic touch.
Fika
Fika is a beloved Swedish tradition that goes beyond just drinking coffee—it’s a social and cultural practice of taking a break to enjoy coffee (or tea) with something sweet, like kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), cookies, or pastries. It’s deeply ingrained in Swedish culture, emphasizing relaxation, connection, and balance in daily life. Many workplaces even have designated fika breaks!
A perfect pairing for your next fika moment!
Kanelbullens Dag – Cinnamon Bun Day
Swedes celebrate Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day) every year on October 4th. On this day, bakeries, cafés, and homes are filled with the sweet smell of cinnamon buns. People buy or bake kanelbullar and enjoy them with family, friends, or coworkers. Many workplaces and schools serve cinnamon buns during fika. It is a fun and delicious tradition that brings people together. If you visit Sweden on October 4th or anytime, don’t forget to enjoy a fresh kanelbulle! Almost every bakery and café sells them fresh and warm. You can also bake them at home with simple ingredients. Once you taste a kanelbulle (Swedish cinnamon buns) you will understand why it is such a beloved treat.
Swedish Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Buns)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 390 gms all-purpose flour
- 45 gms granulated sugar
- 7 gms 1 packet dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tbsp cardamom optional
- 250 ml lukewarm milk
- 75 gms unsalted butter softened
For the Filling:
- 75 gms unsalted butter softened
- 50 gms sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk or water
Simple syrup (optional):
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Pearl sugar or coarse sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl or a stand mixer bowl, add flour and salt. Mix well before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Add sugar and instant yeast. Mix well.
- Gradually add the lukewarm milk and knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
- Add the softened butter and continue kneading for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Note: If you’re kneading the dough by hand, you should double the time compared to using a stand mixer. When kneading by hand, it takes more time and effort to develop the gluten properly. While a stand mixer can knead dough in about 8-10 minutes, it may take about 18-20 minutes to knead dough by hand.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until combined.
Shape the Buns:
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise and cut it into 18-20 strips.
- Twist each strip and tie it into a knot.
Second Rise:
- Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 200°C.
- Brush the buns with an egg wash (whisk egg and milk together).
- Sprinkle with pearl sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Once baked, while it is still warm, brush it generously with simple syrup to give it a beautiful shine and enhance the flavour. It also helps lock in moisture, preventing the bread from drying out too quickly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This also enhances the flavour. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
If you can’t find Swedish pearl sugar, you can use crushed sugar cubes or coarse sugar as a substitute.
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (one tablespoon at a time) while kneading.
If it’s too dry, add a small amount of warm milk.
Absolutely! Cardamom is a traditional addition, but you can also experiment with vanilla, nutmeg, or orange zest for a unique twist.
Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast properly.
Allow the dough to rise fully before baking.
Don’t overbake. they should be golden brown but still soft inside.
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