Kardemummabullar (Swedish Cardamom Buns)

Twisted Swedish yeast buns filled with cardamom butter and sugar, baked golden and brushed with a light syrup and pearl sugar. Fragrant, buttery and not too sweet. Makes about 16.

Twisted Swedish cardamom buns with pearl sugar on a plate, with cardamom pods and coffee
  • Prep 40 min
  • Cook 12 min
  • Rise 1 hr 45 min
  • Total 2 hr 37 min
  • Yield About 16 buns

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Cardamom buns are the cinnamon bun's sophisticated cousin. Freshly ground cardamom goes into both the dough and the buttery filling, and the dough is twisted into knots that bake into layers of soft bread and crisp, sugary edges.

For the best flavor, buy green cardamom pods and grind the seeds yourself just before baking.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant or active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground cardamom
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground cardamom

Finish

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons sugar dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
  • Swedish pearl sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the dough. Warm the milk and butter until the butter melts and cool to lukewarm. Stir in the yeast, sugar, salt and cardamom, then add the flour and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth.
  2. First rise. Cover and let rise for about 1 hour, until doubled.
  3. Fill. Beat the filling together. Roll the dough into a 12 x 16-inch rectangle, spread the filling over it and fold in thirds like a letter.
  4. Shape. Cut into 16 strips. Cut each strip lengthwise into two, leaving one end attached, twist the halves together and wind them into a knot.
  5. Second rise. Set the knots on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover and let rise 30 to 45 minutes. Heat the oven to 400°F.
  6. Bake. Brush with egg and bake 10 to 12 minutes, until golden. Brush the hot buns with the sugar syrup and sprinkle with pearl sugar.

Tips

  • Grind cardamom seeds in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle; pre-ground cardamom loses its aroma quickly.
  • Do not worry if the knots look messy; they bake up beautifully.

Questions about this recipe

Can I use pre-ground cardamom?
Yes, but the flavor is milder. Use a little more and make sure it is fresh.
How do I store cardamom buns?
Keep them in an airtight container for a day, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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