Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe

If you have ever wished for a cozy, fragrant treat that instantly warms your kitchen and your heart, then this Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe is your new best friend. These soft, buttery buns are infused with the intoxicating aroma of cardamom paired with cinnamon, creating a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. With a tender crumb and a golden crust dusted with pearl sugar, these buns bring a little piece of Sweden right to your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh with a cup of coffee or share them with loved ones during a festive gathering, they are guaranteed to be an unforgettable delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this list plays a crucial role to achieve the classic texture and authentic flavor of these Swedish treats. From the richness of buttery dough to the warm, spicy cardamom that distinguishes these buns, each item is both simple and essential, combining to create that perfect balance of taste and texture.

• Soft Butter (10 & 1/2 tablespoons): Gives richness and moisture to the dough for a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup + 3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and caramelizes lightly during baking.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
• Ground Cardamom (2 teaspoons): The star spice that creates the distinctive Swedish flavor profile.
• Milk (2 cups): Must be warm for yeast activation and keeps the dough soft.
• Active Dry Yeast (4 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon): The magic ingredient for a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (6 & 1/3 cups): Forms the structure of the buns while keeping them tender.
• Soft Butter (3 sticks): For the sweet filling, adding creamy richness.
• Sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cinnamon filling, balancing the spices.
• Cinnamon (3 tablespoons): Provides warmth and depth to the filling.
• Ground Cardamom (3/4 teaspoon): Adds extra aromatic complexity to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract (3/4 teaspoon): Layers in subtle sweetness and fragrance.
• Egg (1, lightly beaten): For brushing, giving a lovely golden sheen to the buns.
• Pearl Sugar or Coarse Sugar: Adds beautiful sparkle and crunch on top.

How to Make Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Begin by beating together the soft butter, granulated sugar, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl or stand mixer until completely smooth. This creamy base is where the flavor journey starts, making sure every bite has that subtle warmth of cardamom from the very first taste.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Warm your milk gently until it’s around 98.5°F — warm enough to encourage yeast growth but not too hot to kill it. Stir in the yeast and watch until it dissolves and becomes foamy, about 5 minutes. This foamy texture signals the yeast is alive and ready to make your buns rise beautifully.

Step 3: Combine and Knead the Dough

Add the foamy milk mixture to your butter mixture. Then, slowly incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well. Knead the dough with a dough hook for approximately 5 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. No stand mixer? No worries — kneading by hand works just as well and is satisfying in its own way.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover the dough with a clean cloth and leave it in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. This patient step is where the magic kicks in, allowing the dough to develop its airy structure and subtle flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, blend together the butter, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract until smooth. This luxurious filling will later spread a layer of spiced sweetness inside every bun twist.

Step 6: Roll and Spread

Once your dough has doubled, gently punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out the first piece into a large rectangle about 20 by 15 inches. Spread half the filling evenly across the surface, covering every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Fold the Dough

Fold the dough as you would fold a business letter, creating multiple layers that will give your buns their signature texture and intricate spiral when cut and twisted.

Step 8: Cut into Strips

Using a pizza cutter, slice the folded dough lengthwise into thin strips about half an inch wide. These slim strips are what you’ll twist into the classic cinnamon bun shape.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line your baking pans with parchment paper or silpats to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. It also helps the buns bake evenly with a perfect bottom crust.

Step 10: Twist the Buns

Take each dough strip and twist it into a knot, then place carefully onto the prepared baking sheets leaving about 1 ½ inches between each bun for space to rise. Don’t fret over exact technique — this part is fun to personalize and get creative with.

Step 11: Repeat with Second Portion

Roll out, spread the filling, fold, cut, and twist the second portion of dough exactly as you did with the first. Practice makes perfect, and soon these buns will look wonderfully rustic and inviting.

Step 12: Second Rise

Cover your shaped buns with a cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm place for 30 minutes. This second proof ensures your buns will puff up nicely and bake to soft perfection.

Step 13: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Brush each bun generously with the beaten egg to get a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle pearl sugar or coarse sugar on top to give the buns that classic Scandinavian sparkle and satisfying crunch.

Step 14: Bake to Perfection

Bake your buns for about 8 to 11 minutes. Keep a close eye as ovens vary, and you want them to be deeply golden without burning. When the buns have reached that fragrant, rich golden brown, take them out and let their aroma fill your kitchen.

How to Serve Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe

Garnishes

While the pearl sugar topping provides delightful texture and a little shimmer, you can add extra charm with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of simple icing for a touch of sweetness. Freshly chopped cardamom pods on top can also intensify the aromatic experience if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

These buns are beautiful on their own but pair exquisitely with a cup of strong brewed coffee or a warm chai tea that complements the cinnamon and cardamom. A glass of cold milk or a dollop of thick whipped cream makes an indulgent afternoon treat too.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your buns in a circular pattern on a rustic wooden platter or place them in a basket lined with a cloth napkin for a cozy, inviting look. For gatherings, consider stacking them in a tiered serving tray to impress your guests with these Swedish delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves their soft texture wonderfully. If you notice they start to dry out, a quick reheat can restore their freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze these buns either baked or unbaked. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and bake or reheat as usual.

Reheating

To revive stored buns, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 20–30 seconds also softens the crumb and melts the butter inside, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but reduce the amount slightly since it’s more potent, and you can add it directly to the flour without proofing it in milk first.

What if I don’t have cardamom — can I skip it?

Cardamom is key to authentic Swedish cinnamon buns, but if you can’t find it, you could try mixing a little extra cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg for a similar warm spiced feel.

Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is strongly recommended for its flavor and texture — margarine won’t provide the same richness or the subtle depth that butter gives these buns.

Can I make these buns gluten-free?

Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe traditionally use all-purpose flour for the best rise and texture. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends might work if they are designed for yeast baking, but results can vary.

How long do these buns stay fresh after baking?

They taste best within two days but can stay reasonably fresh up to three days if well-wrapped and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the welcoming scent and comforting taste of these Swedish Cinnamon Buns with Cardamom Recipe fresh out of the oven. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — it’s an adventure in warmth, spice, and buttery softness that transforms any ordinary day into something truly special. Once you’ve tasted them, they just might become your new favorite treat to share with friends and family.

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