Kanelbullar
KANELBULLAR is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cecilia Tolone on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs | Cook: 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min
Cost: $4.70 total, $0.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 250 ml Milk (cold, straight from the fridge)
- 25 g Fresh Yeast (crumbled, no need to dissolve)
- 500 g All-Purpose Flour (10% protein, sifted)
- 100 g Granulated Sugar (divided: 50 g for dough, 50 g for filling)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 2 tsp Ground Cardamom (green cardamom, not black)
- 75 g Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes for dough)
- 75 g Butter (Filling) (soft, room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon (ground)
- 1 Egg (beaten, for glaze)
- 30 g Pearl Sugar (for topping)
Instructions
Combine Liquid Ingredients
Measure the cold milk, crumble the fresh yeast into it, and set aside. No whisking needed.
Time: PT5M
Add Dry Ingredients
Into the mixing bowl add the flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom. Pour the milk‑yeast mixture over the flour, then add the softened butter in chunks.
Time: PT5M
Knead the Dough
Using the stand mixer on the lowest speed, knead for 5 minutes until the dough just comes together. Increase to medium‑low and knead 15‑20 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Time: PT20M
Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, cream together the filling butter, 50 g sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract) until smooth. Set at room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Make Cinnamon‑Sugar Mix
Combine the remaining 50 g sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Time: PT2M
Chill the Dough
Shape the dough into a flat rectangle, place it on a parchment‑lined jelly roll tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30‑60 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Roll Out and Fill
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1 cm thick. Spread the butter filling evenly to the edges, then sprinkle the cinnamon‑sugar mixture on top.
Time: PT15M
Shape the Buns (Tre Slag)
Fold the top third of the rectangle down, then the bottom third up, sealing the edges. Gently roll the folded dough into a log, then cut into 12 equal pieces (~100 g each). Shape each piece into a swirl or knot as demonstrated.
Time: PT20M
Proof the Buns
Place the shaped buns on a parchment‑lined tray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1‑2 hours depending on ambient temperature.
Time: PT90M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 220°C with fan. Bake the buns for 12‑15 minutes, until golden brown.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 220°C
Glaze and Finish
Immediately after removing from the oven, brush each bun with beaten egg and sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
Time: PT3M
Cool and Serve
Transfer buns to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat, Milk, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk
- Instead of Fresh Yeast: Active dry yeast (use 7 g)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour (reduce water), Spelt flour
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt (adjust amount)
- Instead of Ground Cardamom: Cardamom pods (ground yourself)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine (use unsalted)
- Instead of Butter (Filling): Margarine
- Instead of Vanilla Sugar: Vanilla extract
- Instead of Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon
- Instead of Egg: Milk wash, Simple syrup
- Instead of Pearl Sugar: Coarse sanding sugar
Equipment Needed
- Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Jelly Roll Tray
- Parchment Paper
- Plastic Wrap
- Kitchen Scale
- Pastry Brush
- Large Dull Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Perform the window‑pane test to ensure gluten development.
- Chill the dough before rolling to prevent tearing.
- Proof until doubled in size; under‑proofing yields dense buns.
- Brush with egg wash immediately after baking for shine and adhesion of pearl sugar.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen scale for precise dough portions; each bun should weigh about 100 g.
- If you prefer a softer crust, lower the oven temperature to 200°C and bake 2‑3 minutes longer.
- For extra caramel notes, melt a tablespoon of butter with the cinnamon‑sugar before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and won’t come together.
Add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough feels tacky; high‑protein flour absorbs more liquid.
Buns spread too much during baking.
Make sure the dough is well chilled before shaping and that the oven is fully preheated to 220°C.
Pearl sugar falls off after baking.
Apply the egg wash while the buns are still hot and press the pearl sugar gently onto the surface.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then bag; lasts 1 month. Reheat at 150°C for 5‑7 minutes.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit out for up to 6 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dough can be prepared 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated, covered.
- Baked buns freeze well; reheat for a fresh‑out‑of‑the‑oven texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) in Swedish fika tradition?
Kanelbullar are a staple of the Swedish fika, a coffee break that emphasizes social connection. Originating in the 1920s, the buns became popular after the Swedish Home Economics Association promoted them as a simple, affordable treat for families.
What are the traditional regional variations of kanelbullar in Sweden?
In northern Sweden, buns often contain more cardamom in the dough, while in the south a richer butter filling is common. Some regions add almond paste or raisins for a festive twist.
How is kanelbullar traditionally served in Sweden?
Kanelbullar are typically served warm with a cup of strong coffee or tea during fika. They are placed on a plate, sometimes dusted with extra pearl sugar, and enjoyed alongside conversation.
What occasions or celebrations are Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) associated with in Swedish culture?
Kanelbullar are enjoyed year‑round but are especially popular on "Kanelbullens dag" (Cinnamon Bun Day) on October 4th, as well as during holidays like Christmas and Easter when families gather for fika.
What makes kanelbullar special or unique in Swedish cuisine?
The combination of a cardamom‑spiced dough, buttery cinnamon‑sugar filling, and crunchy pearl sugar topping gives kanelbullar a distinct flavor and texture that sets them apart from other cinnamon rolls worldwide.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar)?
Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, not chilling the dough before rolling, under‑proofing, and applying the egg wash before the buns are hot, which can cause a dull finish.
Why does this kanelbullar recipe use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Fresh yeast dissolves instantly in the cold milk and gives a softer, more tender crumb. It also aligns with traditional Swedish bakery practices where fresh yeast is preferred for sweet buns.
Can I make Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can shape and proof the buns, then freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen at 220°C for 18‑20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat briefly before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar)?
The buns should be golden‑brown, glossy from the egg wash, with a soft, airy interior. The pearl sugar should be lightly caramelized and adhere without melting into a sticky mess.
How do I know when Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) are done baking?
When the buns are deep golden on top, the edges sound hollow when tapped, and an internal temperature of 95‑98°C is reached, they are fully baked.
What does the YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone focuses on home baking, especially Scandinavian pastries and breads, with clear step‑by‑step tutorials and a friendly, approachable style.
How does the YouTube channel Cecilia Tolone's approach to Swedish baking differ from other baking channels?
Cecilia Tolone emphasizes traditional Swedish techniques, such as the window‑pane test and the "tre slag" folding method, while also providing modern updates like using a stand mixer and offering detailed troubleshooting tips.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
