If you’ve ever walked into a Scandinavian bakery, you’ve probably been greeted by the warm, spicy aroma of cardamom 🌿. This fragrant spice is a staple in Nordic baking, used in everything from buns to cookies. Let’s explore some of the most delicious Scandinavian pastries featuring cardamom and how you can make them at home!
🌟 Why is Cardamom So Popular in Scandinavian Baking?
💛 Rich, Warm Flavor – Adds a slightly sweet, citrusy, and spicy note.
🍞 Traditional Ingredient – Used for centuries in festive and everyday baking.
☕ Perfect with Coffee – Enhances the flavor of Nordic coffee culture (Fika ☕).
❄️ Warming Spice for Cold Climates – A cozy ingredient for Scandinavian winters.
🥯 1. Swedish Kardemummabullar (Cardamom Buns) 🇸🇪
These soft, aromatic buns are Sweden’s answer to cinnamon rolls but with cardamom as the star! ✨
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom 🌿
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cardamom
👩🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cardamom. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead into a dough. Let rise for 1 hour.
2️⃣ Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter, sugar, and cardamom mixture.
3️⃣ Fold, cut into strips, and twist them into knots. Let rise again for 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. Brush with sugar syrup and sprinkle cardamom sugar.
🥄 Serve with a hot cup of coffee for an authentic Fika experience! ☕✨
🥖 2. Finnish Pulla (Braided Cardamom Bread) 🇫🇮
This beautifully braided sweet bread is infused with cardamom and topped with pearl sugar. Perfect for holidays or breakfast!
📝 Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cardamom 🌿
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
👨🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and cardamom. Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Knead into a smooth dough.
2️⃣ Let the dough rise for 1 hour. Then divide into 3 parts, roll into ropes, and braid.
3️⃣ Let rise for 30 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle pearl sugar.
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
🍯 Enjoy warm with butter and honey!
🍪 3. Norwegian Cardamom Cookies (Kardemommekaker) 🇳🇴
These crunchy, buttery cookies are perfect for Christmas or afternoon tea! ☕✨
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
👨🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix well.
2️⃣ Sift in flour, baking powder, and cardamom. Form a dough.
3️⃣ Roll into small balls, flatten slightly, and place on a baking sheet.
4️⃣ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
🍪 Crispy, fragrant, and perfect with coffee!
🥛 4. Danish Cardamom Cream Buns (Fastelavnsboller) 🇩🇰
Soft buns filled with vanilla cream and flavored with cardamom!
📝 Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups flour
- 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm milk
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cardamom 🌿
- 1 egg
For filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👨🍳 Directions:
1️⃣ Prepare dough and let rise for 1 hour. Shape into small buns and let rise again.
2️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
3️⃣ Whip cream with sugar and vanilla. Slice buns and fill with whipped cream.
🍓 Top with jam or chocolate glaze for extra deliciousness! 🍫
🌟 Where to Get High-Quality Cardamom?
For the best, fresh cardamom for your Scandinavian baking, check out Greengold Guide’s cardamom selection! 🌿✨
