Imagine walking into a cozy Swedish bakery, the enticing aroma of freshly baked cardamom buns wafting through the air, inviting you to indulge in a delightful treat. Traditional Swedish Cardamom Buns, or Kardemummabullar, are not just any pastry; they are a warm hug in the form of fluffy dough, perfectly spiced and sweetened. With their golden crust and soft, aromatic interior, these buns are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Ready to impress your friends and family with a taste of Sweden? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create these irresistible treats right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Swedish
Serves: 12 buns
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 100g sugar
- 10g ground cardamom
- 10g salt
- 25g fresh yeast
- 250ml milk
- 100g butter
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk over low heat until it is warm to the touch (about 37°C or 98°F). Do not let it boil.
- Once the milk is warm, crumble the fresh yeast into the milk and stir until it is completely dissolved. Set aside for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes slightly frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix well to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the softened butter, which should be at room temperature, into the well.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, gradually mix the flour into the liquid ingredients until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, approximately 1 cm thick.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle a generous amount of sugar and a little extra ground cardamom on top.
- Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into 12 equal pieces, about 4-5 cm each.
- Place the sliced buns onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each bun for them to expand. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) while the buns are rising.
- Once the buns have risen, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the tops of the buns for a golden finish.
- Bake the buns in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Traditional Swedish Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure your yeast is fresh and your cardamom is ground just before use. Fresh spices can elevate the taste significantly!
- Knead Well: Don’t rush the kneading process. Kneading the dough for about 10 minutes will ensure a smooth and elastic texture, which is key for fluffy buns.
- Perfect Rising Conditions: Find a warm spot in your kitchen for the dough to rise. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in an oven (turned off) with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling! Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a touch of vanilla can give your buns a unique twist.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the buns with egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish, making them look as good as they taste.
- Serve Warm: These buns are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
