Scandinavian cinnamon rolls: The autumn treat with a twist

In the autumn, the scent of cinnamon fills home kitchens and envelops all those who love sweets. As it turns grey outside and the days become shorter, these delicious cinnamon rolls bring a little sweetness to the changing season. Adding another spice to the filling is worth enhancing the flavour even more.

They are soft and fluffy, and their spicy taste will make you smile. There's no autumn without cinnamon rolls, so it’s worth baking them at least once. These rolls are enhanced by adding cardamom, perfect for an afternoon snack or a late breakfast. In this version, they are adored by the residents of Scandinavia and my entire family, who had the chance to try them.

Kanelbullar is a true treasure of Swedish cuisine and a favourite treat for many around the world. These soft, fluffy rolls with aromatic cinnamon filling are a must-have on any trip to Scandinavia. However, you don't have to pack your suitcase or search for plane tickets, nor do you need to overspend on a cinnamon roll at a bakery. You can easily prepare them at home. It’s a treat enjoyed across generations, loved by both the family’s elders and children returning from school.

Besides cinnamon, it’s worth adding cardamom as well. This spice has an intense, sweet-spicy aroma that pairs excellently with cinnamon. After baking, you can drizzle the rolls with icing made from icing sugar and a small amount of water, or spread cream cheese mixed with icing sugar on top.

Dough:

• 510 grams of flour,
• 40 grams of fresh yeast,
• 50 grams of sugar,
• 320 millilitres of warm milk,
• 80 grams of melted butter,
• 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom,
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt,
• 1 egg.

Filling:

• 100 grams of butter,
• 3 tablespoons sugar,
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon,
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom.

Preparation method:

1. In a small bowl, mix crumbled yeast, sugar, two tablespoons of flour, and half of the warm milk. Set aside in a warm place for a few minutes until the starter increases in volume.
2. Sift the flour into a larger bowl, add a pinch of salt and ground cardamom. Make a well in the centre, pour in the starter, add the whole egg and melted, cooled butter.
3. Add the remaining warm milk.
4. Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook mixer until it is smooth and elastic.
5. In a bowl, beat the soft butter with sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon into a smooth paste.
6. Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle.
7. Spread the prepared filling evenly, then roll the dough into a tight log.
8. Cut the log into pieces.
9. Place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and set aside in a warm place for about 30 minutes to rise.
10. Brush the rolls with a beaten egg.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes until golden brown.

Drizzle the ready cinnamon rolls with icing or a mix of cream cheese and icing sugar. Enjoy!