Kardemummabullar: Swedish Cardamom Buns

When you think of comforting baked goods, Swedish cardamom buns, or kardemummabullar, stand out for their delightful flavor and texture. These soft, aromatic treats are perfect for fika, a cherished Swedish coffee and cake break.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk

• ⅓ cup sugar

• ½ cup butter (1 stick)

• 2 tsp ground cardamom

• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

  
  

For the Filling:

• ½ cup butter, softened (1 stick)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cardamom

• ½ cup granulated sugar

  
  

For Topping:

• Pearl sugar (optional but recommended)

  
  

Preparing the Dough

Start by warming the milk in a saucepan until it reaches a lukewarm temperature—aim for about 110°F (43°C). Remove it from the heat, then stir in the butter until it melts completely.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk mixture with sugar, cardamom, and yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it develops a nice foam.

Next, add the salt and half of the flour to your yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly, then gradually add the rest of the flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Making the Filling

While the dough is rising, you can make the mouthwatering filling. In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cardamom. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside until your dough is ready for shaping.

Shaping the Buns

When the dough has completed its rise, gently punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring about 13x18 inches and 1/4-inch thick. Spread the cardamom filling evenly over the surface of the dough to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Starting from one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. After rolling, cut the log into 12 equal pieces, allowing for perfectly portioned buns. Place these pieces in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet.

Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps create a light, fluffy texture in the final baked product.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, sprinkle pearl sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Bake the buns for 15-20 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before serving.