Cinnamon roll (kanelbulle)
A soft, twisted yeast bun with cinnamon, butter and cardamom, topped with pearl sugar. It is the star of the Swedish coffee break.
Cinnamon roll in Stockholm: Kritzolina, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Kanelbullar are central to fika, the Swedish ritual of coffee and a sweet pastry with friends or colleagues. They differ from American rolls by being less sweet, with a hint of cardamom and no heavy icing.
Explore the cuisine of Sweden.
Recipe
Make Cinnamon roll (kanelbulle) at home
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
- 1/3 cup (75 g) soft butter
- 1 egg
- Filling: 1/2 cup soft butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 tbsp cinnamon
- Egg wash and pearl sugar
How it's made
- Mix dough ingredients and knead 8 minutes until smooth; rise 1 hour.
- Roll into a 16 x 20-inch (40 x 50 cm) rectangle.
- Spread with the butter, sugar and cinnamon filling.
- Fold in thirds like a letter and cut into 16 strips.
- Twist each strip and wind into a knot.
- Let rise 45 minutes on trays; brush with egg and sprinkle pearl sugar.
- Bake at 425 F (220 C) for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
Variations
- Kardemummabullar: cardamom-filled.
- Vegan version with plant milk and margarine.
- Kanelsnurror: swirls shaped like a spiral.
Cook’s tip: Take them out as soon as they are golden; a short, hot bake keeps them soft.
Related dishes
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CroissantBreakfast · France
SconeDesserts and sweets · United Kingdom
PancakesBreakfast · United States
About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Cinnamon roll in Stockholm: Kritzolina, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)