The Comfort of Swedish Cinnamon Rolls

There are few aromas as welcoming as freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. In Sweden, these beloved kanelbullar aren’t just a pastry—they’re part of a tradition called fika, a daily ritual of slowing down with coffee and something sweet, shared with friends or family.

Cinnamon bund fresh out of the oven

Baking Swedish cinnamon rolls at home brings that same sense of comfort and togetherness. The process is almost as rewarding as the first bite.

It starts with a soft, yeasted dough enriched with butter, milk, and just enough sugar to give it a tender sweetness. Once the dough has risen, it’s rolled out into a large rectangle and generously spread with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. This is where the fun begins: instead of rolling them tightly into big spirals like the American version, Swedish rolls are often folded, sliced, and twisted into beautiful little knots. They look rustic, charming, and absolutely irresistible.

Before baking, the rolls are brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with crunchy pearl sugar—a hallmark of Scandinavian baking. As they bake, the kitchen fills with the scent of warm spice, and suddenly the house feels cozier, calmer, more inviting.

When the rolls come out of the oven, golden and fragrant, there’s no need to wait for an occasion. A plate of fresh kanelbullar and a steaming cup of coffee turn any moment into a small celebration.

Baking these rolls connects you to a tradition cherished across Sweden. But more than that, it’s about creating moments of joy in your own kitchen—sharing something homemade, warm, and made with love.

✨ Have you tried baking Swedish cinnamon rolls before? Share your experience—or your favorite fika memory—in the comments below!

Recipe: Swedish Cinnamon Rolls (Kanelbullar)

Baking ingredients

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk

• 75 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted

• 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar

• 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional but very Swedish!)

• 400–450 g (3 1/4 – 3 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour

  
  

For the filling:

• 75 g (1/3 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 50 g (1/4 cup) sugar

• 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

  
  

For finishing:

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

• Pearl sugar (or coarse sugar) for sprinkling

  
  

Instructions

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Stir in melted butter, salt, and cardamom. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the filling: Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon into a paste.

3. Roll and shape: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 30 x 40 cm / 12 x 16 in). Spread the cinnamon filling evenly. Fold the dough lengthwise in half, then slice into strips (about 2 cm wide). Twist each strip and tie into a loose knot.

4. Second rise: Place the knots on a lined baking tray. Cover lightly and let rise again for 30 minutes.

5. Bake: Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Brush rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake 10–12 minutes, until golden brown.

6. Enjoy: Serve warm with coffee, and embrace your own little fika moment!