Scandinavian Comfort: Discovering the Magic of Kanelbullar

Eleven and a half years ago, when my husband and I got engaged, I was eager to dive into the culinary traditions of his Norwegian heritage. Little did I know that my curiosity would expand beyond just Norwegian dishes to include the rich and varied flavors of the entire Scandinavian region! While I still have much to learn, it’s been such a joy to explore new recipes and cultures. My kitchen is now filled with cookbooks, and each new dish is a delightful adventure.

One of my absolute favorite recipes—especially when the crisp fall air settles in—is kanelbullar, the Swedish cinnamon bun. It’s a charming variation on the classic cinnamon roll, and I find it not only delicious but also wonderfully forgiving to make. Unlike the typical cinnamon roll, which I’m not overly fond of because of the icing, kanelbullar skips the frosting and instead adds sugar pearls for a lovely touch of sparkle. The cardamom in the dough gives it an irresistible depth of flavor, and the texture is more like a delicate morning roll than a dense cinnamon bun—just perfect.

What I find so exciting about baking these Scandinavian treats is how they’re so different from the Puerto Rican dishes I grew up with. It’s a delightful challenge to blend my own culinary roots with new techniques and ingredients.

A few fun facts about kanelbullar that make them even more special:

• In Sweden, kanelbullar are a beloved treat that’s often enjoyed during "Fika," the traditional Swedish coffee break. Fika is more than just a snack—it’s a social ritual, a time to slow down and connect with others over coffee and pastries.

• The word kanel means cinnamon, and bullar refers to buns or rolls, so it's essentially "cinnamon buns." But don’t be fooled—this version is much lighter and fluffier than your standard cinnamon roll.

• Kanelbullar are often flavored with cardamom, a spice that’s a favorite in Scandinavian baking. Cardamom gives these buns a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.

• These buns are so beloved in Sweden that there’s even a national holiday dedicated to them—Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day) is celebrated every year on October 4th. What a perfect excuse to bake and share them with friends!

Over time, I’ve experimented with several kanelbullar recipes, combining the best parts of each to create one that feels just right. Below is the version I love to make!

Kanelbullar are a perfect expression of Swedish hospitality for several reasons:

1. Warmth and Comfort: The soft, aromatic buns are filled with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and cardamom, making them the ideal treat to offer guests, especially when you want to create a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. In Sweden, serving kanelbullar with coffee during fika—a cherished tradition of taking a break with friends or colleagues—helps foster connection and warmth.

2. Inviting Simplicity: These buns are delicious but not overly fussy or complicated. They are the kind of homemade treat that feels personal, offering a sense of care and attention without being too extravagant. Their simplicity is part of their charm—like offering a little slice of comfort from the heart of Scandinavian tradition.

3. Cultural Significance: In Sweden, kanelbullar are much more than just a pastry—they represent hospitality and community. They’re often baked in large batches to share with family, friends, and guests, making them a symbol of generosity and togetherness. Sharing kanelbullar with someone is a gesture that says, “Come in, relax, enjoy—you're welcome here.”

4. A Tradition of Sharing: Kanelbullar are made to be shared. When hosting a gathering, offering a plate of these buns is a way to create a sense of inclusivity. It’s a way of saying, “There’s enough for everyone,” which is key to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

5. A Treat for All Ages: Whether you're entertaining children or adults, kanelbullar appeal to a wide range of tastes. Their mild sweetness, soft texture, and fragrant spice make them universally loved, ensuring that your guests feel taken care of no matter their age or preferences.

In short, kanelbullar aren't just about satisfying a sweet tooth—they're about creating an experience of connection, warmth, and shared joy, making them an ideal choice for showing hospitality!

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KANELBULLAR (CINNAMON BUNS)

Kanelbullar are a perfect expression of Swedish hospitality. They aren't just about satisfying a sweet tooth—they're about creating an experience of connection, warmth, and shared joy, making them an ideal choice for showing hospitality!

Ingredients

Dough

• 1 cup milk, warmed (to about 110F)
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ( I start with 3 cups and use the other 1/2 if the dough is too wet)
• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Filling

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon

Additional Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• pearled sugar

Instructions

1. Put the milk into a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast overtop. Let stand for 5 minutes, until it’s foamy.
2. In a large bowl combine 3 cups of the flour, butter, sugar, egg, cardamom, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Stir until the dough comes together. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding more flour as needed (see my notes on dough ingredients). Dough should be tacky but not sticky. .Shape into a ball and place it back in the bowl, cover with a tea towel and let stand in a warm place until the dough has doubled(about 2 hours). Note: I prefer to knead by hand but you can also use an electric mixer with a dough hook attachment.
3. Once ready, divide the dough in workable halves. On a floured surface roll each piece out into a rectangle (9x12 inches). In a separate bowl combine the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. The spread half of the mixture over each piece of rolled dough.
4. Fold each piece up in equal thirds (I used the letter technique). You may want to roll again to stretch it a bit more.
5. With a pizza cutter, cut strips of the dough lengthwise. Twist each strip and shape. Jamie Oliver has a wonderful video sequence showing how to shape the cinnamon buns. Video HERE.
6. Place each rolled bun on baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Then brush with the egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tbsp of water) and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
7. I like to do a second rising in a warm place for about 45 mins. It makes a difference and makes them more airy. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
8. Enjoy!

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