Swedish Cinnamon Roll Recipe – Soft & Spiced Kanelbullar
Learn how to make authentic Swedish cinnamon rolls (Kanelbullar) at home! These soft, cardamom-scented buns are filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and perfect with coffee or tea.
🇸🇪 What Are Swedish Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelbullar)?
Kanelbullar are classic Swedish cinnamon rolls, subtly flavored with cardamom in the dough and filled with a rich cinnamon-butter mixture. Unlike American-style cinnamon rolls, Kanelbullar are less sweet, beautifully braided or rolled, and typically enjoyed during fika—Sweden’s beloved coffee break tradition.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For Brushing and Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Pearl sugar or granulated sugar (for topping)
🍞 How to Make Swedish Cinnamon Rolls – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll and Fill
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches).
- Spread cinnamon filling evenly across the dough.
- Fold the dough in half lengthwise.
- Cut into 1-inch strips and twist or roll into knots/spirals.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Place rolls on a parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
✅ Why You’ll Love This Swedish Cinnamon Roll Recipe
- 🧈 Rich, buttery dough infused with cardamom
- 🌿 Less sweet and more aromatic than regular cinnamon rolls
- 🍞 Soft inside, golden outside – perfect with tea or coffee
- 🕒 Great for make-ahead or freezing
- ☕ Perfect for fika time or brunch
☕ Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with coffee, espresso, or chai latte
- Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch
- Add vanilla glaze or enjoy as-is for a traditional feel
📝 Baking Tips for Perfect Kanelbullar
- Use freshly ground cardamom for the most fragrant dough
- Don’t overfill – excess filling can spill out during baking
- Shape creatively – spirals or twisted knots are both authentic
- Let cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture
🇪🇺 More European Baking Recipes You’ll Love
- German Stollen – Christmas Fruit Bread
- Polish Pierogi – Savory Dumplings
- Russian Syrniki – Cottage Cheese Pancakes

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