Swedish cinnamon buns
Scandinavian Swedish cinnamon buns, commonly known as kanelbullar, are a beloved treat in Sweden and throughout the world. With their soft and fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon swirls and aromatic spice fragrance, these baked goodies make for a perfect snack or breakfast option. In Sweden, these cinnamon buns are a part of the traditional fika culture, where people take a short break from their working hours to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a sweet treat. The warm and cozy feeling that comes with cinnamon buns brings to mind images of a cozy autumn evening with family and friends, gathered around a table, sharing stories and indulging in the comfort that the buns bring.
The origins of cinnamon buns can be traced back to Sweden’s early 1920s, where they were introduced and quickly gained popularity. Initially, these buns were considered a luxury and were only available at special occasions or at expensive bakeries. However, as the recipe became more accessible, cinnamon buns began to be made in homes across the country, making them a quintessential part of Swedish culture. The love for cinnamon buns has now spread beyond Sweden and they can be found in bakeries around the world, with many variations of the traditional recipe.
The key to making perfect cinnamon buns lies in the dough. To achieve the soft and fluffy texture, one must use high-quality flour, yeast, sugar, salt, milk and butter, all mixed together and kneaded until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough must then rest for a few hours, allowing for the yeast to activate and letting the dough rise. Once risen, the dough is rolled out into a rectangular shape and a mixture of cinnamon, sugar and butter is spread evenly on the surface. The dough is then rolled into a tight cylinder and sliced into rounds, ready to be baked to perfection.
The scent of cinnamon wafts through the air as the cinnamon buns bake in the oven. The distinctive aroma of cinnamon, coupled with the smell of freshly baked dough, is an experience in and of itself. As the buns come out of the oven, they are brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with sugar, creating a sweet and sticky glaze that adds a touch of decadence to the buns.
Cinnamon buns can be enjoyed on their own, but they are best served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the sweetness of the buns, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Although traditionally eaten in the morning, cinnamon buns can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making them a versatile and delicious treat.
In conclusion, Scandinavian Swedish cinnamon buns, or kanelbullar, are a beloved treat that brings warmth and comfort to those who indulge in them. This recipe has been passed down over generations and is considered a part of Swedish culture. With their soft and fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon swirls, they are a perfect snack or breakfast option, and the aroma of cinnamon buns baking is an experience in and of itself. So go ahead and indulge in a sweet treat, and enjoy a little taste of Sweden.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 7g (1 sachet) instant yeast
- 250ml milk
- 75g unsalted butter, melted
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 75g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 100g powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm (not hot) and add the melted butter. Pour the milk and butter mixture into the flour mixture and stir well to form a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour.
- For the filling, mix together the softened butter, sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- When the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the cinnamon filling onto the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Roll the dough up tightly, starting from the long side.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the buns with a tea towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/390°F/gas mark 6. Bake the buns for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns and serve.
Enjoy your delicious Scandinavian Swedish cinnamon buns!