Hallonbullar
HALLONBULLAR is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 12. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by Cecilia Tolone on YouTube.
Prep: 3 hrs 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 4 hrs 15 min
Cost: $24.19 total, $2.02 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Milk (non-fat) (room temperature)
- 1000 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 450 g Granulated Sugar (200 g for dough, 250 g for filling)
- 500 g Unsalted Butter (200 g for dough, 300 g for filling, softened)
- 18 g Salt (15 g for dough, 3 g for filling)
- 70 g Fresh Yeast (active dry or fresh baker's yeast)
- 20 g Ground Cardamom (optional for authentic Swedish flavor)
- 3 g Vanilla Sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 300 g Frozen Raspberries (thawed slightly, can be crushed)
- 50 g Pearl Sugar (for topping, optional)
- 2 Eggs (large, beaten for egg wash)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Warm Milk
Measure 500 g non‑fat milk and set aside to reach room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Ingredients
In the mixing bowl add 1000 g flour, 200 g sugar, 15 g salt, 70 g fresh yeast, and 20 g ground cardamom. Mix briefly with a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Knead the Dough
Attach the hook to the stand mixer. Start on the lowest speed and mix for 5 minutes, then increase to a medium‑slow speed for another 5 minutes. Continue on medium speed, checking after 30 minutes; keep mixing until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the bowl – about 45 minutes total.
Time: PT55M
First Rest (Cold Fermentation)
Shape the dough into a rough rectangle, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to cool the yeast and relax the gluten.
Time: PT1H
Prepare the Sweet Filling
In a separate bowl, beat 300 g softened unsalted butter with 250 g sugar, 3 g salt, and 3 g vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract) until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, flatten the chilled dough into a rectangle roughly 1/4‑inch (6 mm) thick and twice as long as it is wide.
Time: PT5M
Add Filling and Raspberries
Spread the butter‑sugar mixture evenly over the dough, reaching the edges. Sprinkle the thawed raspberries over the surface, gently pressing them in. Fold the top third down, then the bottom third up, sealing the edges.
Time: PT10M
Shape the Buns
Cut the rolled dough into 85 g portions (≈80‑90 g). Take each piece, twist it into a spiral, tuck the tail underneath, and place on a parchment‑lined baking tray. Leave space between buns; they may touch slightly.
Time: PT15M
Second Proof
Cover the tray loosely with plastic wrap (do not seal) and let the buns proof at room temperature until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 200°C
Prepare Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 eggs (or 2 tbsp milk + 1 egg) until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Bake First Batch
Place the first tray of buns in the oven and bake for 13 minutes.
Time: PT13M
Temperature: 200°C
Egg Wash and Pearl Sugar
Immediately after removing the tray, brush each bun with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Time: PT2M
Bake Remaining Batches
Repeat steps 12‑13 for the remaining trays (second batch 11 minutes, third batch 11‑12 minutes as needed).
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 200°C
Cool and Serve
Transfer baked buns to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 800
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbohydrates
- 101 g
- Fat
- 34 g
- Fiber
- 1.5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Milk (non-fat): Whole milk, Almond milk
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour, Whole wheat flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Plant-based butter
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Fresh Yeast: Instant yeast (use 1/3 amount)
- Instead of Ground Cardamom: Ground cinnamon (different flavor)
- Instead of Vanilla Sugar: Vanilla extract
- Instead of Frozen Raspberries: Fresh raspberries, Frozen mixed berries
- Instead of Pearl Sugar: Coarse granulated sugar
- Instead of Eggs: Egg substitute (will affect shine)
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer with Hook Attachment
- Mixing Bowl
- Plastic Wrap
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Tray
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Knife / Bench Scraper
- Digital Scale
- Oven
- Small Bowl
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic (Step 3)
- Cold rest in the refrigerator to relax gluten (Step 4)
- Incorporating raspberries without making the dough soggy (Step 7)
- Proofing until doubled in size but not over‑proofed (Step 9)
- Applying egg wash while buns are hot for a glossy finish (Step 13)
Chef Tips from the Video
- Cardamom is traditional in Swedish sweet buns; it adds a subtle citrusy note that balances the raspberry.
- If you prefer a brighter flavor, increase the raspberry amount by 50 g and reduce sugar in the filling slightly.
- For extra shine, add a tablespoon of milk to the egg wash.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Check that the yeast is fresh and the milk is not too cold. Warm the dough to 30‑35 °C and give it an extra 30 minutes.
Buns are dense and heavy.
Do not over‑mix the dough; stop kneading once it becomes smooth and elastic. Ensure the proofing environment is warm (around 25 °C).
Raspberry juice makes the buns soggy.
Use frozen raspberries and gently press them in; the ice crystals help absorb excess moisture. You can also dust the dough lightly with flour before adding berries.
Egg wash runs off the buns.
Brush the egg wash onto hot buns straight from the oven; the heat sets the wash instantly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped buns for up to 2 months; reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept refrigerated; shape the buns, cover loosely, and proof before baking.
- Unbaked buns freeze well; place on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Hallon Swedish raspberry buns in Swedish cuisine?
Hallon buns, known as "Hallonbullar" in Sweden, are a beloved part of the traditional fika culture – a coffee break that includes sweet pastries. They originated from the classic Swedish cardamom bun (kardemummabulle) tradition, with raspberry added for a summer‑time twist.
What are the traditional regional variations of Hallon Swedish raspberry buns within Sweden?
In southern Sweden, bakers often use fresh raspberries and a lighter dough, while in the north the buns may be richer with extra butter and sometimes a hint of almond extract. Some regions add a drizzle of vanilla glaze instead of pearl sugar.
How are Hallon Swedish raspberry buns traditionally served in Sweden?
They are typically served warm or at room temperature alongside strong coffee or tea during fika. A dusting of pearl sugar adds crunch, and they are often enjoyed with a glass of cold milk.
What occasions or celebrations are Hallon Swedish raspberry buns traditionally associated with in Swedish culture?
Hallon buns are popular during midsummer celebrations, birthday parties, and as a seasonal treat in the summer months when raspberries are abundant. They also appear on bakery shelves for everyday fika.
How does Hallon Swedish raspberry buns fit into the broader Swedish pastry tradition?
They belong to the family of sweet yeast‑based buns that include kardemummabullar, kanelbullar, and semla. The use of cardamom in the dough ties them to the classic Swedish spice profile, while the raspberry filling adds a modern, fruit‑forward element.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Hallon Swedish raspberry buns versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include all‑purpose flour, fresh yeast, unsalted butter, cardamom, and fresh or frozen raspberries. Acceptable substitutes are instant yeast (use 1/3 the amount), ground cinnamon for a different spice note, and fresh raspberries if frozen are unavailable.
What other Swedish dishes pair well with Hallon Swedish raspberry buns?
They pair beautifully with Swedish coffee, lingonberry jam, or a side of vanilla custard. For a full fika spread, serve them alongside kanelbullar, cardamom cookies, and a slice of cheese cake.
What makes Hallon Swedish raspberry buns special or unique in Swedish cuisine?
The combination of a buttery, cardamom‑infused dough with a juicy raspberry core creates a balance of spice, sweetness, and fruit acidity that is rare among traditional Swedish buns, which are usually plain or cinnamon‑spiced.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hallon Swedish raspberry buns at home?
Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, letting the dough rise too long (which creates a sour flavor), using cold butter in the filling, and adding too much raspberry juice which can make the buns soggy. Follow the timing cues and keep the dough cool before shaping.
Why does this Hallon Swedish raspberry buns recipe use a cold rest in the refrigerator instead of a room‑temperature rise?
The cold rest relaxes the gluten and slows yeast activity, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing over‑proofing. It also helps the dough retain its shape when the heavy raspberry filling is added.
Can I make Hallon Swedish raspberry buns ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Shape the buns, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked buns and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What does the YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone focuses on home baking and comfort food recipes, often highlighting Scandinavian and European pastries with clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone's approach to Swedish baking differ from other cooking channels?
Cecilia Tolone emphasizes practical home‑kitchen solutions, such as using a modest stand mixer, offering troubleshooting tips, and sharing personal anecdotes about equipment limitations, which makes her Swedish baking tutorials feel relatable and achievable.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






