Authentic Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe
Soft, buttery, cardamom-spiced cinnamon buns made the traditional Swedish way.
There are few things that capture the heart of Sweden quite like freshly baked Kanelbullar, or Swedish Cinnamon Buns. At Swedish Cravings, we're passionate about sharing authentic Swedish recipes that have been passed down through generations, bringing the warmth of Swedish baking into homes around the world.
Unlike many American cinnamon rolls, traditional Swedish cinnamon buns are lighter in sweetness, delicately flavored with aromatic cardamom, generously layered with butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and finished with crunchy pearl sugar instead of frosting.
Whether you're celebrating Fika, Sweden's beloved coffee break tradition, or simply looking to enjoy homemade Swedish baking, this authentic recipe will bring the taste of Sweden straight into your kitchen.
What is Fika?
If you've ever visited Sweden, you've probably heard the word Fika.
Fika is much more than a coffee break—it's an important part of Swedish culture. It's about slowing down, spending time with family, friends, or colleagues, and enjoying a cup of coffee with something delicious to eat.
And nothing represents fika better than a freshly baked Kanelbulle.
In Sweden, bakeries sell millions of cinnamon buns every year, and almost every family has their own favorite recipe.
A Family Tradition from Swedish Cravings
When I was growing up in Sweden, my father baked cinnamon buns that family and friends always looked forward to.
He taught me one simple trick that made all the difference.
After rolling out the dough into a large rectangle, he would spread a very generous layer of softened butter over the entire surface before adding the cinnamon and sugar. The dough would almost glisten with butter.
Only then would he sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar evenly across the butter.
It may sound like a small detail, but that extra butter melts into the dough while baking, creating incredibly soft, rich, and juicy cinnamon buns that stay fresh for days.
It's a tradition I've never stopped following, and it's the method I recommend if you want to bake authentic Swedish cinnamon buns at home.
Ingredients
Dough
- 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 150 g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter
- 50 g fresh yeast (or 14 g / 2 packets active dry yeast)
- 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground cardamom
- 850–900 g (7–7½ cups) all-purpose flour
Filling
- 175–200 g (¾–⅞ cup) softened unsalted butter
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 2–3 tbsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 beaten egg
- Swedish Pearl Sugar
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough
Warm the milk to approximately 37°C (98°F).
Melt the butter and mix it into the warm milk.
Crumble in the fresh yeast (or add dry yeast according to package directions) and stir until dissolved.
Add the sugar, salt, cardamom, and most of the flour.
Knead the dough for about 10–15 minutes until smooth, soft, and elastic.
Cover with a towel and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2 – Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Roll it into a large rectangle approximately 40 × 60 cm (16 × 24 inches).
Step 3 – Add the Filling
Spread the softened butter generously across the entire surface of the dough.
Don't be shy—the butter should almost cover every corner.
Mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the butter.
This generous butter layer is one of the secrets to truly authentic Swedish cinnamon buns.
Step 4 – Shape the Buns
Fold the dough in half lengthwise.
Cut into strips about 2–3 cm (1 inch) wide.
Twist each strip several times and wrap into the traditional Swedish knot shape.
Place the buns onto baking trays lined with parchment paper.
Step 5 – Second Rise
Cover the buns with a towel.
Let them rise for another 30–45 minutes until light and puffy.
Step 6 – Bake
Brush each bun with beaten egg.
Sprinkle generously with authentic Swedish pearl sugar.
Bake in a preheated oven at 225°C (435°F) for 8–10 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Swedish Baking Tips
- ✔ Use freshly ground cardamom whenever possible for the best flavor.
- ✔ Don't skimp on the butter. It's one of the biggest differences between average cinnamon buns and truly exceptional Swedish ones.
- ✔ Avoid adding too much flour. A slightly sticky dough creates softer buns.
- ✔ Don't overbake. Swedish cinnamon buns should remain soft and moist.
- ✔ Pearl sugar gives Swedish cinnamon buns their signature appearance and satisfying crunch.
Shop Authentic Swedish Baking Ingredients
At Swedish Cravings, we offer authentic Swedish products that help you recreate traditional recipes just like they're made in Sweden.
Perfect companions for this recipe include:
- Dan Sukker Pearl Sugar
- Swedish Coffee from Zoégas, Arvid Nordquist & Löfbergs
- Traditional Swedish Cookies
- Authentic Swedish Chocolate & Candy
Everything is carefully selected and shipped directly from Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Swedish cinnamon buns contain cardamom?
Cardamom is one of the defining flavors of Swedish baking. It gives the dough a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the cinnamon filling.
Why don't Swedish cinnamon buns have cream cheese frosting?
Traditional Swedish cinnamon buns are finished with beaten egg and pearl sugar instead of frosting. This allows the buttery dough and cinnamon filling to remain the stars of the recipe.
Can I freeze Swedish cinnamon buns?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely before freezing in airtight bags or containers. Warm them for a few minutes before serving to enjoy freshly baked flavor.
Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes. Fresh yeast is traditional in Sweden, but active dry yeast produces excellent results as well.
What makes Swedish cinnamon buns different from American cinnamon rolls?
Swedish cinnamon buns are less sweet, flavored with cardamom, tied into beautiful knots, and topped with pearl sugar instead of cream cheese frosting. They focus on the richness of the dough and filling rather than a sugary topping.
Enjoy Your Swedish Fika
There's nothing quite like enjoying a warm, homemade cinnamon bun with a freshly brewed cup of Swedish coffee.
Whether you're baking for family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself to a quiet fika, these authentic Swedish cinnamon buns bring a little piece of Sweden into your home.
From all of us at Swedish Cravings…
Happy baking, and welcome to the taste of Sweden!