National Dish Sweden: Kanelbullar (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Kanelbullar, the fragrant cinnamon buns that sit at the very heart of Swedish coffee culture. Perfumed with cinnamon and cardamom and rolled from a soft, buttery yeast dough, these little spirals are the ultimate companion to a warm drink and a quiet moment. They are more than a bake — they are the reason behind fika, that beloved Swedish habit of pausing to share coffee and something sweet. Bring a slice of Scandinavian comfort straight into your own kitchen.
About Kanelbullar
Kanelbullar, better known as Swedish cinnamon buns, are a traditional pastry adored across Sweden. Their hallmark is an intense aroma of cinnamon and cardamom, which makes them the perfect partner to a cup of coffee or tea. These little works of art are not only a treat for the palate but also play an important role in Swedish culture, especially during the coffee-and-cake gatherings known as fika. When you bake a batch of kanelbullar, you bring a piece of Swedish tradition home with you.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 sachet dried yeast
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 150 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- For the filling: 50 g butter, 50 g brown sugar
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for kanelbullar, it is worth paying attention to the quality of what you buy. Fresh yeast gives the dough a better texture and helps the buns rise beautifully. Be sure to choose aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cardamom in good quality, as they are decisive for the pastry’s characteristic flavour. A fine Swedish-style flour can also make a difference if you happen to find one nearby.
Preparing the dish
Making kanelbullar takes a little patience, but the result is well worth the effort. First, gather and measure out all your ingredients so nothing gets forgotten along the way. It is also important to bring the butter to room temperature so it blends more easily with the other ingredients later on. Have a large mixing bowl ready for kneading the dough and letting it prove.
Step-by-step instructions
- Warm the milk and melt the butter in it. The mixture should be lukewarm.
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast with a little sugar in the warm milk-and-butter mixture.
- Put the flour, salt, cinnamon and cardamom into a large bowl and mix well.
- Add the yeast mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients and knead everything into a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and leave it to prove in a warm place for about 30–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
- For the filling, melt the butter and mix it with the brown sugar.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and spread the filling evenly over it.
- Roll up the dough and cut it into even pieces.
- Place on a baking tray and leave to prove again until slightly risen.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for 10–15 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you have a gluten or lactose intolerance, you can happily make kanelbullar without those ingredients. Use a gluten-free flour that is well suited to baking. For the butter, reach for plant-based alternatives that are dairy-free. Most gluten-free flour blends work just as well, as long as you keep an eye on the consistency of the dough.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan kanelbullar are perfectly possible too! Replace the egg with a mashed banana or a spoonful of apple sauce, and use plant-based margarine instead of butter. The filling is easily adapted by choosing a vegan sugar. That way you can still enjoy this sweet treat without any compromise. If you love plant-based baking, you might also enjoy Sweden’s Chokladbollar.
More tips and tricks
To make sure your kanelbullar turn out perfectly, a few pointers help. Take care to activate the yeast properly in the warm liquid so it rises to its full potential. Before baking, brush the tops of the buns with a little beaten egg to give them an appealing glossy finish. Try out different fillings, such as nuts or chocolate, to create new and delicious flavours.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The kanelbullar recipe is easy to adapt to different preferences. You can vary the amount of cinnamon and cardamom, or add other spices such as cloves or ginger. Beyond that, the sweetness can be adjusted to taste with honey or agave syrup. By tailoring the recipe to your palate, you create your very own individual cinnamon buns — much as bakers do with the closely related Saffransbullar.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of alternatives to the classic ingredients in kanelbullar. If you would rather not use white flour, try wholemeal flour or even oat flour. Instead of sugar, you can also use natural sweeteners such as stevia or coconut blossom sugar. By playing with the ingredients, you can create healthier or more interesting variations to suit yourself.
Drink pairing ideas
Kanelbullar go wonderfully with a range of drinks that underline the buns’ sweet flavour. A cup of Swedish coffee or a strong espresso are the classic companions. You could also serve a fruity herbal tea or a warm apple punch for a comforting effect on cold days. Experiment with different combinations and find your own personal favourite pairing!
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present kanelbullar can heighten the enjoyment even further. Serve them on a pretty cake stand and dust with a little icing sugar for visual effect. A decorative bowl of fresh berries or a jug of cream alongside makes an extra-tempting accompaniment — try it as part of a sweet spread with Kladdkaka. Aim for a presentation that is both inviting and authentic, reflecting Swedish tradition.
A bit of history
Kanelbullar have a long tradition in Swedish cooking, reaching back to the 16th century. The combination of cinnamon and cardamom reflects the influences the pastry absorbed from the Middle East. The Swedish evening of coffee and cake, known as fika, is inseparable from kanelbullar. This custom encourages togetherness and relaxation while the delicious buns are enjoyed, and it remains a cornerstone of Swedish cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Kanelbullar
Kanelbullar are not just delicious cinnamon buns — they are a piece of Swedish culture that you can easily recreate at home. With their combination of cinnamon, cardamom and a fluffy dough, these treats bring joy to any coffee break. Experiment with different ingredients and variations to make your own kanelbullar just the way you like them. Let these wonderful buns work their magic and experience Swedish coffee culture right in your own kitchen.
