How to Make the Perfect Swedish Cardamom Buns
Swedish · Medium · 165 min · 12 servings
Soft and fragrant buns filled with butter, sugar, and freshly ground cardamom. These are a classic Swedish fika treat enjoyed with coffee.
Why this recipe works
This Swedish Cardamom Buns recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 165 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 10 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 large egg, beaten for wash
- 2 tablespoons pearl sugar
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Activate the yeast
Combine warm milk and sugar in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit until foamy. This confirms the yeast is active and ready to use.
Step 2: Make the dough
Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled.
Step 3: Prepare the filling
Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cardamom together in a small bowl until a smooth paste forms. Set aside at room temperature so it remains spreadable.
Step 4: Shape the buns
Roll dough into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cardamom filling evenly across the surface. Fold dough in half and cut into strips, then twist each strip and coil into a bun shape. Place on a lined baking sheet and let rise for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the buns
Brush each bun with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → oat milk for a dairy-free version
- pearl sugar → coarse turbinado sugar
- ground cardamom → ground cinnamon for a classic cinnamon bun flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using milk that is too hot which kills the yeast and prevents the dough from rising
- Not kneading the dough long enough resulting in dense buns
- Skipping the second rise which leads to buns with poor texture and volume
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 6g protein, 42g carbs, 9g fat, 2g fiber.
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