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!
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.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cardamom until smooth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Servings 12
Serving Size 1 Bun
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
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).
Welcome to my little corner of the internet, where I share my passion for cooking and baking. Ever since I was a kid, I've loved experimenting in the kitchen, creating dishes that bring people together. I'm not a professional chef, just a self-taught foodie who believes the best meals are simple, tasty, and made with love. From comforting desserts to savory dinners, I hope my recipes inspire you to enjoy the magic of homemade cooking.
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