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Kanelbulle, Swedish cinnamon buns

Swedish Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Buns)

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Kanelbulle is a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun, known for its soft, dough and twisted shape, topped with pearl sugar. Unlike American cinnamon rolls, it is less sweet and served without icing.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Swedish
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Proofing time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 18 -20 buns
Author sumisculinarynotes

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

I left out the cardamom in the dough, but if you like its flavour, feel free to add it to the flour for a traditional touch!