How to Make Authentic Scandinavian Cinnamon Buns
If you’ve ever had the chance to visit any of the Scandinavian countries, there’s a good chance you fell in love with their cinnamon buns. Known locally as ‘kanelbullar’ in Sweden and ‘kanelsnegle’ in Denmark, these sweet pastries are a staple of Nordic cuisine and adored by people all over the world. The good news? You don’t need to book a flight to enjoy these delightful treats; you can make authentic Scandinavian cinnamon buns right in your own kitchen. Here’s how.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
– 1 cup (240ml) of milk, slightly warmed
– 4 cups (500g) of all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons of dry yeast
– ½ cup (100g) of sugar
– ½ teaspoon of salt
– 1 stick (113g) of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
For the Filling:
– ½ cup (113g) of unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup (100g) of sugar
– 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
– 1 beaten egg, for brushing
– Pearl sugar or chopped almonds for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Making the Dough:
- Begin by activating the yeast. In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly warmed milk with the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This step is crucial as it ensures that your yeast is active and will help the dough rise.
- Next, add the sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing steadily until the dough comes together. You might not need to use all the flour, or you might need a little bit more, depending on the humidity and temperature of your kitchen.
- Once the dough becomes too thick to stir, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
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Place the kneaded dough into a clean, greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
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Preparing the Filling:
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While the dough is rising, prepare the filling by mixing the softened butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until well combined.
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Shaping the Buns:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle around ½ inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- To shape the buns, start from the long edge and tightly roll the dough into a log.
- With a sharp knife, cut the log into pieces roughly 1 ½ inches thick.
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Place the cut buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them for expansion. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up.
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Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Brush the tops of your risen buns with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle your choice of topping—pearl sugar or chopped almonds—over the buns.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the buns are nicely golden brown on top.
- Let them cool down on a wire rack before serving.
There you have it, authentic Scandinavian cinnamon buns that you can enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. These buns are the centerpiece of the Scandinavian tradition of ‘fika,’ which is a simple yet profound tradition of taking a pause in the day to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry with friends or family.
Making cinnamon buns might seem like a bit of work, but the result is absolutely worth it. The aroma of freshly baked buns filled with cinnamon will fill your home, bringing a piece of Scandinavian warmth and coziness into your kitchen. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful treats that follow. Happy baking!
