Swedish Kanelbullar Cinnamon-rolls

Here’s a classic Swedish Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Rolls) recipe, known for its soft dough and spiced cinnamon filling:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup (240ml) milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cardamom (optional, for a traditional Swedish flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Pearl sugar (or coarse sugar)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
   • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add the melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom (if using) to create a smooth paste.
3. Shape the Rolls:
   • Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
   • Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
   • Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
   • Cut the log into 12-15 equal slices.
4. Second Rise:
   • Place the cinnamon rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them.
   • Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
5. Bake the Kanelbullar:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Brush the tops of the cinnamon rolls with the beaten egg and sprinkle pearl sugar on top.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the Kanelbullar cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea!

These cinnamon rolls have a lovely cardamom hint and are perfect for fika (the Swedish coffee break). Enjoy!