Scandinavian cinnamon buns: Adding cardamom to elevate taste

They are soft and fluffy, and their spicy taste immediately brings a smile to your face. There's no autumn without cinnamon buns, so it's worth baking them at least once. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a second breakfast, these buns are enhanced by the addition of cardamom. In this version, they are loved by the residents of Scandinavia and my entire family, who had the chance to try them.

Kanelbullar is a true treasure of Swedish cuisine and a favourite treat for many around the world. These soft, fluffy buns with aromatic cinnamon filling are a must-have on any trip to Scandinavia. However, you don't have to pack your suitcase or look for plane tickets, nor do you have to pay extra for a cinnamon bun at a bakery. You can easily prepare them at home. It's a multi-generational treat, enjoyed by both the family's senior members and children coming back from school.

Besides cinnamon, it's worth adding cardamom as well. This spice has an intense, sweet-spicy aroma that pairs excellently with cinnamon. After baking, you can drizzle the buns with icing made from powdered sugar and a small amount of water, or spread cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar on top.

Dough:

              
• 500 g of flour,
• 40 g of fresh yeast,
• 50 g of sugar,
• 1 ⅓ cups warm milk,
• 80 g melted butter,
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom,
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt,
• 1 egg.

Filling:

      
• 100 g butter,
• 3 tablespoons sugar,
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom.

Preparation method:

                    
1. In a small bowl, mix crumbled yeast, sugar, two tablespoons of flour, and half of the warm milk. Set aside in a warm place for a few minutes until the starter increases in volume.
2. Sift the flour into a larger bowl, and add a pinch of salt and ground cardamom. Make a well in the centre, pour in the starter, add the whole egg and melted, cooled butter.
3. Add the remaining warm milk.
4. Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook mixer until it is smooth and elastic.
5. In a bowl, beat the soft butter with sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
6. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle.
7. Spread the prepared filling evenly, then roll the dough into a tight log.
8. Cut the log into pieces.
9. Place the sliced buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and set aside in a warm place for about 30 minutes to rise.
10. Brush the buns with a beaten egg.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Drizzle the ready cinnamon buns with icing or a mix of cream cheese and powdered sugar. Enjoy!