Kanelbullar Recipe
Kanelbullar, the quintessential Swedish cinnamon buns, are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of sugar and the fluffiness of yeast dough. This traditional Swedish pastry is a staple in many Swedish bakeries and cafes, and is often served with a cup of coffee or tea.
The History of Kanelbullar
Kanelbullar, also known as Swedish cinnamon rolls, have a long history that dates back to the 16th century. The pastry was originally inspired by the sweet breads of Germany and Austria, but over time, Swedish bakers developed their own unique recipe that incorporated cardamom and other spices.
Ingredients
To make Kanelbullar, you will need the following ingredients:
3 1/4 dip-and-sweep cups (16.25 ounces/461 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/99 grams) sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 fluid ounces/237 ml) milk, microwaved 1 to 2 minutes in 2-cup glass measure until hot but not boiling
5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces/71 grams) unsalted butter, cut into about 6 slices and added to heated milk
1 large egg, room temperature
Cinnamon filling (see below)
Cinnamon Filling
1 stick (4 ounces/113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Start the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom, and salt. Add the hot milk and butter mixture, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for 5-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the filling: Mix the cinnamon filling ingredients together until well combined.
Shape the dough: Divide the dough into two equal pieces, and roll out each piece into a rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
Roll and cut the dough: Roll the dough up tightly, and cut into 12-15 equal pieces. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
Let the rolls rise: Cover the rolls with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Bake the rolls: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Glaze the rolls: While the rolls are still warm, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Tips and Variations
- To make a more authentic Swedish Kanelbullar, use pearl sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of cardamom to the cinnamon filling for an extra boost of flavor.
- Try using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the pastry.
- Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cloves, to create a unique flavor profile.
Kanelbullar are a delicious and traditional Swedish pastry that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With their sweet and spicy flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.