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Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Swedish Cinnamon Buns

Soft, pillowy and lightly sweet traditional Swedish cinnamon knots known as kanelbullar are a delicious treat any time of day. Discover the best recipe for making Swedish cinnamon buns at home.
4.99 from 99 votes
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, snack
Cuisine Scandinavian, Swedish
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 1 Stand mixer optional
  • 1 small saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
  

For the dough

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 ¼ cup all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • tsp instant rise yeast
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt

For the filling

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 tsp ground cardamom

For the topping

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp water
  • pearled sugar

Instructions
 

  • Add the milk and butter to a small saucepan. Heat the milk over medium-low heat until it reaches a temperature of 110° F.
  • In the bowl attachment of your stand mixer add the flour, yeast and sugar; whisk until fully combined. Using the dough hook attachment mix the dough on low speed or until the dough is soft and smooth. (Alternatively you can mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl, turn out onto a floured surface and knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes)
  • Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a towel and allow to rise in a warm space for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising prepare the filling by mixing together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom until fully combined. Set aside.
  • Transfer the dough to a large, floured work surface. Roll out the dough into a 22 inch x 15 in rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Fold 1/3 of the dough towards the center, then fold the remaining 1/3 over that. Roll out the dough again into a 8 inch x15 inch rectangle, ensure to remove any air bubbles.
  • Using a pizza cutter or a knife cut the dough into 12 even strips (1¼ in x8 in). Working with one strip at a time shape the buns. Twist the strip of dough several times while streching it out until it almost doubles in length. Shape the buns into knots by loosely wrapping the dough around 2 fingers, then tucking the loose end into the center. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Cover the buns with a towel and let them rise for 45 min - 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Whisk the egg and water together with a fork to create an egg wash. Brush each bun with the egg wash then sprinkle the pearl sugar on top.
  • Bake the cinnamon buns for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the buns from the oven and transfer to a wire baking rack and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Keyword baking, bread recipe, cinnamon rolls, fall breakfast recipe
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