When we think of European baking, flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg often come to mind. But cardamom—a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine—has played a surprising and delicious role in European bakery traditions for centuries!
From Swedish cinnamon rolls to Finnish pulla bread and German spice cookies, cardamom brings a warm, citrusy, and slightly peppery aroma to baked goods. Let’s explore how cardamom is used in European baking and how you can try these delightful treats at home! 🏡🍪✨
🌍 Cardamom’s Role in European Baking
✔ A key ingredient in Scandinavian breads & pastries 🥖
✔ Used in Christmas cookies & spiced cakes 🍪
✔ Infused into coffee cakes & sweet rolls ☕
✔ Pairs well with cinnamon, nutmeg & citrus flavors 🍊
✔ Gives baked goods a warm, slightly spicy depth 🌿
🥖 1. Finnish Pulla (Sweet Cardamom Bread)
Pulla is a traditional Finnish bread, soft, slightly sweet, and flavored with cardamom. It’s often braided, similar to challah, and sometimes topped with pearl sugar or almonds.
✨ Ingredients:
✔ 4 cups flour
✔ ½ cup sugar
✔ 2 ¼ tsp yeast
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ 1 tbsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 1 cup warm milk 🥛
✔ 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
✔ 4 tbsp butter (melted) 🧈
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add flour, salt, cardamom, butter, and eggs. Knead until smooth.
3️⃣ Let rise for 1 hour, then shape into a braided loaf.
4️⃣ Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
💡 Tip: Serve with butter & jam for a cozy breakfast!
🥐 2. Swedish Kardemummabullar (Cardamom Cinnamon Rolls)
These Swedish-style cinnamon rolls use cardamom in both the dough and filling, creating an irresistible flavor!
✨ Ingredients:
✔ 3 cups flour
✔ ½ cup sugar
✔ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 1 packet yeast
✔ ½ cup warm milk 🥛
✔ 4 tbsp butter (melted) 🧈
✔ 1 egg
Filling:
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 tbsp cinnamon
✔ 1 tbsp cardamom
✔ 4 tbsp butter (softened)
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix yeast, milk, and sugar, then add flour, butter, egg & cardamom.
2️⃣ Let dough rise 1 hour, then roll out & spread with filling.
3️⃣ Roll up, slice into swirls, and let rise another 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Brush with cardamom syrup after baking for extra flavor!
🍪 3. German Pfeffernüsse (Spiced Christmas Cookies)
These German holiday cookies are filled with warm spices, including cardamom, and coated in powdered sugar!
✨ Ingredients:
✔ 2 cups flour
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 tsp baking powder
✔ ½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ ½ tsp cinnamon & nutmeg
✔ ¼ tsp cloves
✔ ½ cup honey 🍯
✔ 4 tbsp butter (melted) 🧈
✔ 1 egg
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix dry ingredients, then stir in honey, butter, and egg.
2️⃣ Roll into small balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
3️⃣ Cool and dust with powdered sugar.
💡 Perfect with: Hot cocoa or mulled wine!
🍰 4. Cardamom Coffee Cake (Austrian-Style)
A moist and fragrant coffee cake with a cardamom streusel topping!
✨ Ingredients:
✔ 2 cups flour
✔ 1 cup sugar
✔ ½ cup butter
✔ 1 tsp baking powder
✔ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ 2 eggs
✔ ¾ cup sour cream
Streusel Topping:
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 tsp cardamom
✔ ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly.
2️⃣ Add eggs, sour cream, and cardamom. Mix until smooth.
3️⃣ Pour into a pan, top with streusel, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
💡 Serve with: A hot cup of coffee! ☕
🍞 5. Dutch Cardamom Spiced Bread (Ontbijtkoek)
A dense Dutch breakfast cake flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.
✨ Ingredients:
✔ 2 cups rye flour
✔ ½ cup brown sugar
✔ 1 tsp baking soda
✔ ½ tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔ ½ tsp cinnamon & ginger
✔ ½ cup milk
✔ ¼ cup molasses
🔹 Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
2️⃣ Pour into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
3️⃣ Let cool and slice thinly.
💡 Tip: Serve with butter & cheese for a Dutch-style breakfast!
🔥 More Ways to Use Cardamom in European Baking
✔ Add to Shortbread Cookies 🍪 – A hint of cardamom makes butter cookies extra special!
✔ Infuse in Pound Cake 🍰 – Pairs well with orange zest & vanilla.
✔ Sprinkle in Apple Pie Filling 🍏 – Enhances fruity desserts.
✔ Mix in Biscotti 🍪 – Adds warmth to Italian almond biscuits.
✔ Use in Gingerbread 🎄 – Gives classic holiday treats a unique flavor.
🌱 Bake Like a Pro with High-Quality Cardamom!
For authentic flavors & the best aroma, use Greengold Guide’s premium cardamom in your European baking! 🌿✨
👉 Order now: Buy Cardamom Here
