Dessert

The Best Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe

Name: The Best Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 500 g flour; 250 ml warm milk (no more than 37°C / 95°F); 100 g white sugar; 90 g unsalted butter; 25 g fresh yeast; 1 egg; 1 pinch salt; 90 g unsalted butter; 90 g brown sugar; 3 tbsp cinnamon powder; ½ tbsp cardamom powder (optional); Pearl sugar

ByLily Monroe December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

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Introduction

Swedish Cinnamon Buns, known as Kanelbullar, are soft, fragrant, and perfectly spiced pastries that are beloved in Sweden and around the world. These delightful buns combine a tender dough with a rich cinnamon filling, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day.

The image shows six cinnamon roll muffins on a metal cooling rack placed over a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. Each muffin has multiple layers of golden-brown dough twisted with dark brown cinnamon sugar, with some white sugar crystals sprinkled on top. The muffins are puffy with an irregular, folded texture, showing both soft dough folds and cinnamon filling swirls. In the background, there is a small white bowl containing two cinnamon sticks resting on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500 g flour
250 ml warm milk (no more than 37°C / 95°F)
100 g white sugar
90 g unsalted butter
25 g fresh yeast
1 egg
1 pinch salt
Pearl sugar for decoration

The filling:

90 g unsalted butter
90 g brown sugar
3 tbsp cinnamon powder
½ tbsp cardamom powder (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Warm the milk to no more than 37°C (95°F). In a small bowl, whisk together the warm milk, fresh yeast, white sugar, and salt until the yeast dissolves.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and softened butter. Pour in the milk and yeast mixture and knead with your hands until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow it to rise slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom powder (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle about 1 cm thick.
Step 6: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Cut the log into 12 to 15 equal slices.
Step 8: Place the slices on baking trays lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each bun to allow for rising.
Step 9: Cover the buns again and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 10: Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Beat the egg and brush it gently over the buns, then sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Step 11: Bake the buns for 8–10 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Using fresh yeast ensures a fluffier dough, but you can substitute with dry yeast (use about 7 g) if needed.
Add cardamom to the dough for extra authentic Swedish flavor, or increase the cardamom in the filling to enhance the spice.
Try a drizzle of icing sugar glaze over cooled buns for added sweetness.
Pearl sugar adds a lovely crunch, but crushed nuts or sliced almonds can be an interesting alternative topping.

Storage

Store the cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the buns in a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to restore softness.