Delicious Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar) – A Must-Try Fika Delight!
View Gallery
1 photo
Delicious Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar) – A Must-Try Fika Delight!
These Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar) are soft, buttery, and infused with warm cardamom spice, making them a perfect treat for coffee breaks or cozy gatherings. Twisted into beautiful knots and glazed with a sweet cardamom syrup, these buns are a staple in Swedish baking. Enjoy them fresh with a cup of tea or coffee for an authentic fika experience!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For the Cardamom Filling:
For the Syrup Glaze:
For Topping:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
-
In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt.
-
Add warm milk and the egg, mixing until incorporated.
-
Add the softened butter and knead (by hand for 10-12 minutes or using a stand mixer for 6-8 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
-
Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Ideal temperature range for rising, such as 75-80°F (24-27°C), to achieve the best results. -
-
Step 2: Make the Cardamom Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cardamom until smooth.
-
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Buns
-
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14x18-inch (35x45cm) rectangle.
-
Spread the cardamom filling evenly over the dough.
-
Fold the dough in half lengthwise.
-
Cut into 12-14 strips, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide.
-
Take each strip, twist it firmly but not too tightly—about 2 times—then wrap it around itself to form a knot (this ensures the bun holds its shape while still allowing it to expand during baking). Tuck the ends underneath.
-
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
-
-
Step 4: Bake the Buns
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Brush the buns lightly with milk and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
check for doneness by tapping the bottom of a bun—if it sounds hollow, it's fully baked. -
-
Step 5: Make the Cardamom Syrup & Glaze the Buns
-
While the buns are baking, heat sugar, water, and cardamom in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
-
Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them immediately with the warm syrup for a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Allowing the buns to cool slightly before brushing can prevent them from becoming too soggy) -
-
Serving & Storage Tips
-
Best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea.
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
-
Freeze unglazed buns for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.
-
Equipment
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, i.e., when you buy any product using the links below, we get commissions. but it doesn’t cost you anything extra. If you do purchase any product using the given links, we thank you in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Serving Size 1 Bun
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 160.85kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.44g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.08g1%
- Sodium 1.15mg1%
- Potassium 48.5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 34.23g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1.23g5%
- Sugars 4.28g
- Protein 4.16g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Tradition of Kardemummabullar in Sweden
Swedish Cardamom Buns, known as Kardemummabullar, are a beloved staple of Swedish baking and a key part of fika, Sweden’s famous coffee break tradition. Unlike cinnamon rolls, these buns highlight the warm, slightly citrusy flavor of cardamom, a spice that has been cherished in Scandinavian cuisine for centuries. The tradition of fika encourages people to slow down, enjoy a sweet treat, and connect with friends or family over coffee.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buns
- Use freshly ground cardamom: For the best flavor, grind whole cardamom pods rather than using pre-ground cardamom.
- Kneading is key: A well-kneaded dough ensures soft and fluffy buns. If using a stand mixer, knead for about 6-8 minutes on medium speed.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing the dough to properly double in size creates an airy texture.
- Brushing with syrup while hot: This enhances flavor and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Variations to Try
- Cinnamon-Cardamom Buns: Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spiced twist.
- Orange-Cardamom Buns: Add 1 tbsp orange zest to the filling for a fresh citrusy flavor.
- Vegan Kardemummabullar: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk.
Pairing Suggestions
These cardamom buns are best enjoyed with a strong Swedish coffee, a chai latte, or a warm glass of milk. For a true fika experience, serve them alongside ginger cookies (pepparkakor) or a slice of almond cake (mandelkaka).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape and bake them in the morning for fresh buns. (Although dough typically needs warmth to rise, a slow overnight rise in the refrigerator helps develop flavor while still allowing the yeast to work.)
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed buns and reheat before serving.
Yes, but fresh ground cardamom provides a more aromatic flavor. If using pre-ground, ensure it's fresh for the best taste.
Absolutely! You can substitute coarse sugar or skip it altogether for a less sweet topping.
This could be due to under-kneading the dough or not letting it rise long enough. Ensure the dough is properly kneaded and doubled in size before baking.
All-purpose flour works well for this recipe, but if you want an even softer texture, you can use bread flour. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewier and more structured bun. If using bread flour, you may need to add a little more liquid to the dough.
