Authentic Swedish Cinnamon Rolls: Kanelbullar Recipe & Guide

Swedish cinnamon rolls, known as kanelbullar, are smaller, cardamom-infused pastries traditionally topped with pearl sugar rather than sticky icing. They're a cornerstone of Sweden's fika culture, typically enjoyed with coffee in the mid-morning or afternoon.

These beloved Scandinavian pastries have captivated taste buds worldwide, but authentic Swedish cinnamon rolls differ significantly from their American cousins. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone seeking to experience true Swedish baking tradition.

The Cultural Significance of Kanelbullar

In Sweden, kanelbullar aren't just pastries—they're integral to fika, the cherished Swedish coffee break tradition. This social ritual, practiced twice daily by most Swedes, transforms ordinary coffee breaks into meaningful social connections. September 4th is even celebrated as Kanelbullens dag (Cinnamon Roll Day) in Sweden, highlighting their cultural importance.

Unlike American cinnamon rolls served as breakfast items or desserts, Swedish kanelbullar are specifically designed for fika—smaller in size (about 2-3 inches in diameter), less sweet, and perfectly portioned for a midday pause. The Swedish Food Association estimates that Swedes consume approximately 315 million cinnamon rolls annually, averaging nearly one per week per person.

What Makes Swedish Cinnamon Rolls Unique

Several distinctive characteristics separate authentic kanelbullar from other cinnamon roll varieties:

Feature	Swedish Kanelbullar	American Cinnamon Rolls
Size	2-3 inches in diameter	3-5 inches or larger
Cardamom	Essential ingredient in dough	Rarely included
Sweetener	Pearl sugar topping	Sticky icing glaze
Sweetness Level	Moderate, balanced	Very sweet
Primary Consumption	Fika (coffee break)	Breakfast or dessert

Traditional Ingredients Breakdown

The magic of authentic Swedish cinnamon rolls lies in their specific ingredients:

• Cardamom: The secret weapon in Swedish baking, added to both the dough and filling
• Pearl sugar (hagelsocker): Creates the signature crunchy topping that doesn't melt
• Butter: High-fat European-style butter (82% fat content) for richer flavor
• Yeast: Fresh yeast preferred for authentic texture
• Cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon typically used for its delicate flavor

Authentic Swedish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Yield: 14-16 rolls | Preparation: 30 minutes | Rising: 2 hours | Baking: 10-12 minutes

Dough Ingredients

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 100ml whole milk, lukewarm
• 50g unsalted butter, melted
• 25g fresh yeast (or 7g dry yeast)
• 50g granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients

• 75g unsalted butter, softened
• 100g dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cardamom

Topping

• 50g pearl sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk. Mix flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. First rise: Place dough in a buttered bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
3. Prepare filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom until smooth.
4. Shape rolls: Roll dough into a 30x40cm rectangle. Spread filling evenly, leaving 1cm border. Roll tightly from the long side and cut into 16 equal pieces.
5. Second rise: Place rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 45-60 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Bake 10-12 minutes until golden. Immediately sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Perfecting Your Kanelbullar: Expert Baking Tips

Mastering authentic Swedish cinnamon rolls requires attention to detail:

• Dough temperature: Keep ingredients at room temperature for optimal yeast activation
• Rising environment: Ideal rising temperature is 24-27°C (75-80°F)—too warm kills yeast, too cold slows rising
• Rolling technique: Roll dough tightly but gently to prevent tearing while ensuring even spirals
• Cutting method: Use dental floss or unflavored fishing line for clean cuts without squishing the rolls
• Baking precision: Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even browning

Regional Variations Across Sweden

While kanelbullar follow a basic template, regional variations add delightful diversity to Swedish baking:

• Gothenburg style: Slightly larger rolls with extra cardamom in the dough
• Stockholm tradition: Often includes a small amount of almond paste in the filling
• Malmö variation: Sometimes incorporates orange zest for a citrus note
• Northern Sweden: Rolls may be slightly sweeter to combat the colder climate

Serving Traditions and Pairings

Authentic Swedish cinnamon roll enjoyment follows specific traditions:

• Serve warm but not hot—allow 5-10 minutes cooling time after baking
• Always pair with strong coffee (never tea) for proper fika experience
• Traditionally enjoyed with friends or colleagues, never alone
• Often accompanied by glögg (mulled wine) during holiday seasons
• Best consumed the day they're made, though freezing preserves quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Swedish and American cinnamon rolls?

Swedish cinnamon rolls (kanelbullar) are smaller, contain cardamom in the dough, use pearl sugar instead of icing, and are less sweet than American versions. They're designed for fika (coffee breaks) rather than as breakfast or dessert items.

Why do Swedish cinnamon rolls contain cardamom?

Cardamom has been a staple in Scandinavian baking since the 16th century when it was introduced through trade routes. It complements cinnamon's warmth with its distinctive citrusy, floral notes, creating the signature flavor profile of authentic Swedish baked goods.

Can I substitute pearl sugar in Swedish cinnamon rolls?

While traditional pearl sugar (hagelsocker) creates the signature crunchy topping that doesn't melt, you can substitute by processing regular sugar in a food processor until coarse. Avoid powdered sugar or liquid glazes, as they fundamentally change the authentic Swedish texture and appearance.

How do I store Swedish cinnamon rolls properly?

For best results, consume Swedish cinnamon rolls the day they're made. If storing, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.