How to Bake Scandinavian Cardamom Buns

Scandinavian cardamom buns (Kardemummabullar) are a soft, buttery, and beautifully twisted pastry infused with warm, aromatic cardamom. These buns are a staple in Sweden and Finland, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee during fika (the Swedish coffee break tradition). Let’s bake these heavenly spiced, slightly sweet, and utterly irresistible buns! 🍞☕

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

🍞 For the Dough:

✔️ 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour 🌾
✔️ ¼ cup (50g) sugar 🍚
✔️ 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) dry yeast 🍞
✔️ 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
✔️ ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk 🥛
✔️ 1 egg 🥚
✔️ ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
✔️ ½ tsp salt 🧂

🌿 For the Cardamom Filling:

✔️ ⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
✔️ ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar 🍯
✔️ 1 tbsp ground cardamom 🌿

✨ For the Topping:

✔️ 1 egg (for egg wash) 🥚
✔️ 1 tbsp sugar + ½ tsp ground cardamom (for sprinkling) 🌿

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

🍞 1. Make the Dough

👉 In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
👉 Add flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg, butter, and ground cardamom. Mix until a soft dough forms.
👉 Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
👉 Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.

🌿 2. Prepare the Cardamom Filling

👉 Mix butter, brown sugar, and cardamom until creamy.

🥨 3. Roll & Shape the Buns

👉 Roll out the dough into a 12×16-inch (30×40 cm) rectangle.
👉 Spread the cardamom filling evenly over the dough.
👉 Fold the dough in half lengthwise and gently press.
👉 Cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wide strips.

🎀 4. Twist into Beautiful Knots

👉 Hold a dough strip at both ends and twist several times.
👉 Wrap it around two fingers, tuck the end underneath, and pinch to seal.

⏳ 5. Final Rise & Bake

👉 Place the shaped buns on a lined baking sheet.
👉 Cover and let them rise for 30 minutes.
👉 Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
👉 Brush with egg wash and sprinkle cardamom sugar on top.
👉 Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

🍯 6. Serve & Enjoy!

👉 Let the buns cool slightly and enjoy them warm with coffee or tea! ☕💛

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Cardamom Buns

✅ Soft & Buttery – Perfectly fluffy with a tender crumb!
✅ Warm & Aromatic – Cardamom gives them a heavenly scent!
✅ Traditional & Authentic – A true Scandinavian classic!
✅ Perfect for Fika! – Enjoy with a cozy cup of coffee!