Recipe: Swedish cinnamon buns

Recipe: Swedish cinnamon buns is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Sweden on YouTube.

Prep: 111 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 2 hrs 14 min

Cost: $32.05 total, $2.67 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 ml Milk (Warm to 37°C (98°F) for yeast activation)
  • 50 g Fresh Yeast (Can substitute 14 g active dry yeast)
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cardamom (Freshly ground if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Fine sea salt)
  • 90 g Caster Sugar (For the dough, superfine texture)
  • 150 g Unsalted Butter (Room temperature, softened)
  • 780 g All-Purpose Flour (Can use bread flour for more chew)
  • 150 g Unsalted Butter (Filling) (Room temperature, softened)
  • 90 g Caster Sugar (Filling) (Superfine)
  • 2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (Freshly ground for best flavor)
  • 1 piece Large Egg (Beaten with a splash of water for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoon Pearl Sugar (Swedish pearl sugar; raw sugar can be used as a substitute)

Instructions

  1. Warm the Milk

    Heat the milk gently until it reaches 37°C (98°F).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 37°C

  2. Dissolve the Yeast

    Crumble the fresh yeast into a large mixing bowl, pour the warm milk over it and stir until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Dry Ingredients and Butter

    Add ground cardamom, salt, caster sugar, softened butter, and flour to the bowl. Mix on low speed with the stand mixer until just combined.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Knead the Dough

    Knead the dough with the stand mixer for about 10 minutes, or until it pulls away from the bowl sides and feels smooth and slightly tacky.

    Time: PT10M

  5. First Rise

    Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature (≈25°C) for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 25°C

  6. Prepare the Filling

    While the dough rises, combine the second batch of softened butter, caster sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Mix until smooth and spreadable.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roll Out the Dough

    Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle about 30 × 40 cm.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Spread the Filling

    Evenly spread the cinnamon‑butter filling over the rolled‑out dough.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Fold and Slice

    Fold the dough once (like folding a letter) and cut it into 12 equal pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Shape the Buns

    Take each slice, twist it gently, and tie the ends into a knot with the tail tucked underneath. Place the knots on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Second Rise

    Cover the shaped buns loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 25°C

  12. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 250°C

  13. Egg Wash and Pearl Sugar

    Brush each bun with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with pearl sugar.

    Time: PT3M

  14. Bake the Buns

    Bake the buns in the middle of the oven for 6–8 minutes, until the tops are deep golden and the bottoms are firm.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 250°C

  15. Cool and Serve

    Remove the buns from the oven, transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
38 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Egg

Last updated: April 6, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Recipe: Swedish cinnamon buns

Recipe by Sweden

Traditional Swedish cinnamon buns (canelbulle) with a buttery cardamom‑spiced dough, sweet cinnamon‑butter filling, and a crunchy pearl‑sugar topping. Made with a stand mixer for a soft, fluffy interior and a golden crisp on top.

MediumSwedishServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 59m
Prep
8m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$32.05
Total cost
$2.67
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Activating the yeast with correctly warmed milk
  • Kneading the dough until smooth and non‑sticky
  • First rise until doubled in size
  • Shaping the knots without tearing the dough
  • Applying egg wash and pearl sugar for the characteristic crisp topping
  • Baking at high temperature for a short time to achieve a golden crust

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Do not let the milk exceed 40°C (104°F) or it may kill the yeast
  • Yeast can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Swedish cinnamon buns (canelbulle) in Swedish cuisine?

A

Swedish cinnamon buns, known as canelbulle, are a staple of the Swedish fika tradition—a coffee break accompanied by sweet treats. They originated in the 1920s when cardamom was added to the classic cinnamon roll, giving the buns their distinctive flavor and making them a beloved part of everyday Swedish life.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of canelbulle within Sweden?

A

In northern Sweden, the buns are often larger and may include almond paste, while in the south they are typically smaller and topped with pearl sugar. Some regions add a hint of orange zest to the filling for a subtle citrus note.

cultural
Q

How is a classic Swedish cinnamon bun traditionally served in Sweden?

A

Canelbulle is usually served warm, sliced in half, and enjoyed with a cup of strong coffee or tea during fika. It is often placed on a simple plate without any additional sauces, letting the buttery, spiced flavor shine.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations are Swedish cinnamon buns commonly enjoyed?

A

Besides daily fika, canelbulle is popular at birthdays, holidays such as Midsummer, and during the Advent season. It is also a common treat at school cafeterias and office break rooms across Sweden.

cultural
Q

What makes Swedish cinnamon buns special compared to other cinnamon rolls in world cuisines?

A

The addition of ground cardamom to the dough and the use of pearl sugar on top give Swedish buns a fragrant, slightly spicy aroma and a crunchy, sweet crust that is unique to Swedish baking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Swedish cinnamon buns versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include fresh yeast, cardamom, butter, caster sugar, all‑purpose flour, and pearl sugar. Acceptable substitutes are active dry yeast for fresh yeast, granulated sugar for caster sugar, and raw sugar if pearl sugar is unavailable, though the texture will differ slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Swedish dishes pair well with cinnamon buns during a fika?

A

Canelbulle pairs beautifully with Swedish coffee, of course, but also with light fruit jams, a slice of cheese like Västerbotten, or a glass of cold milk. For a heartier spread, serve alongside open‑face sandwiches (smörgås).

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Swedish cinnamon buns?

A

Common errors include using milk that is too hot (which kills the yeast), under‑kneading the dough (resulting in a dense texture), over‑proofing the buns (causing them to collapse), and skipping the egg wash, which leads to a dull, soft top instead of the characteristic glossy, crisp crust.

technical
Q

Why does this Swedish cinnamon bun recipe use a high oven temperature of 250°C instead of a lower temperature?

A

The high temperature creates a rapid rise and caramelization of the pearl sugar, giving the buns a golden, slightly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and airy. A lower temperature would produce a paler crust and a longer bake time.

technical
Q

Can I make Swedish cinnamon buns ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can refrigerate the shaped buns after the second rise for up to 24 hours; just cover them tightly. For longer storage, freeze the baked buns in a zip‑lock bag for up to two months and reheat in a 175°C oven before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sweden specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sweden focuses on authentic Scandinavian home cooking, showcasing traditional recipes, baking techniques, and cultural food stories from across Sweden and the broader Nordic region.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sweden's approach to Swedish baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sweden emphasizes the cultural context of each dish, uses clear step‑by‑step visuals with metric measurements, and often highlights regional ingredients like cardamom and pearl sugar, providing viewers with both culinary technique and cultural appreciation.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Hojarascas (Mexican Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies)
488

Hojarascas (Mexican Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies)

Traditional hojarascas from Nuevo León, Mexico: crumbly, cinnamon-scented cookies coated in cinnamon sugar, perfect for enjoying with coffee or hot chocolate. This recipe yields about 34 cookies and uses a blend of lard and vegetable shortening for authentic flavor and texture.

1 hr 25 minServes 34$91
Mexican
Canel Bulard – Swedish Cinnamon Buns
13

Canel Bulard – Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Discover the Swedish recipe for Canel Bulard, tiny ultra‑soft cinnamon buns, lightly sweetened and glazed with a shiny vanilla syrup. Perfect for breakfast or a winter snack.

3 hrs 10 minServes 12$3
Swedish
Hand-Kneaded Cinnamon Buns (No Mixer)
20

Hand-Kneaded Cinnamon Buns (No Mixer)

A step‑by‑step hand‑kneaded cinnamon bun recipe that requires no mixer. The dough rests multiple times, chills in the fridge, and is shaped using a simple book‑fold technique before baking at 190°C for a golden finish. Finished with an agave glaze and pearl sugar for extra shine.

1 hr 5 minServes 12$3
Swedish
Swedish Style Apple Buns
4

Swedish Style Apple Buns

Soft, buttery Swedish apple buns with a fragrant cardamom dough, sweet apple filling, and a cinnamon‑butter swirl. Brushed with a warm apple simple syrup and finished with raw sugar, these buns are perfect for breakfast, fika, or an afternoon snack.

3 hrs 40 minServes 12$52
Swedish
How to Make Cinnamon Buns
4

How to Make Cinnamon Buns

Soft, fluffy cinnamon buns with a sweet dark brown sugar‑cinnamon filling and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings, these buns replicate a beloved small‑brand treat and can be made ahead or enjoyed fresh from the oven.

2 hrs 52 minServes 8$7
American
The best cinnamon buns icing you will have
3

The best cinnamon buns icing you will have

A super‑simple, no‑bake cream cheese icing made with butter, cream cheese, milk, vanilla and powdered sugar. Perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or as a sweet dip.

12 minServes 12$2
American