Indulge in the delightful aroma and flavor of Swedish cardamom buns with this irresistible recipe.
These soft and fluffy buns are infused with the warm, aromatic scent of cardamom and sweetened with a hint of sugar, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Traditionally enjoyed in Sweden, these buns are often served fresh from the oven with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Whether you’re a fan of Scandinavian cuisine or simply looking to try something new, these Swedish cardamom buns are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Follow along to learn how to make these delicious buns from scratch and bring a taste of Sweden into your home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the foamy yeast mixture with the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, ground cardamom, and salt.
Gradually add the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and ground cardamom to make the filling.
5. Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
Roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Fill and Shape the Buns
Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.
7. Let the Buns Rise
Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the buns rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the risen buns in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Swedish cardamom buns warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting aroma of these homemade treats!
Nutritional Facts
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 5g
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in this recipe.
Simply skip the activation step and add the instant yeast directly to the flour mixture.
2. Can I freeze the unbaked buns for later?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked buns after shaping them and placing them in the baking dish.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
When ready to bake, let the buns thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
3. Can I substitute ground cardamom with whole cardamom pods?
Yes, you can use whole cardamom pods in place of ground cardamom.
Crush the pods to release the seeds and grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
4. How long do these buns stay fresh?
These Swedish cardamom buns are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.
However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
5. Can I make smaller or larger buns?
Yes, you can adjust the size of the buns by dividing the dough into more or fewer pieces before shaping.
Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the buns.
Adjust accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.