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Cozy Swedish Cardamom Buns

Swedish cardamom buns - featured image
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Soft, sweet swirls of dough speckled with fragrant cardamom and topped with pearl sugar, perfect for cozy Nordic fika moments.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground for best flavor)
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons pearl sugar (or coarse sugar)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (110°F/43°C) with the active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and ground cardamom. Add the softened butter, egg, and the yeast mixture. Mix with the dough hook on medium speed or knead by hand until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  4. Prepare the filling: Mix the softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.
  5. Roll out the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon butter evenly over the surface, leaving a small border.
  6. Shape the buns: Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces (about 1 ¼ inches thick). Twist or knot each piece into the classic Swedish bun shape or coil into spirals. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
  7. Second rise: Cover the buns and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  9. Cool & enjoy: Let buns cool slightly on a wire rack. Best served warm.

Notes

Use freshly ground cardamom for best flavor. If dough is sticky during rolling, sprinkle a bit more flour but keep dough soft. The second rise is crucial for fluffy texture. Watch buns closely near end of baking to avoid over-browning. For dairy-free, swap milk and butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax egg instead of chicken egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish cardamom buns, Kanelbullar, cardamom buns, Nordic baking, sweet buns, cinnamon buns, fika treats

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-swedish-cardamom-buns-recipe-perfect-soft-sweet-swirls-tutorial/