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–+ servings

Swedish Cardamom Buns

Enjoy the cozy comfort of homemade Swedish cardamom buns, inspired by the flavors of New York's famous Cabra Bakery. These buns are soft, buttery, and filled with just the right amount of sweet spice. If you’ve only had cardamom in savory recipes, you truly have been missing out on this delicious creation that will become your new favorite pastry!
Prep Time2 hours
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Yields20 buns
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Servings20 buns

Ingredients

DOUGH

  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup warm whole milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg

FILLING

  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons black cardamom

SIMPLE SYRUP

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TOPPING

  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cardamom

Instructions 

MAKE THE DOUGH

  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture, softened butter, and egg.
  3. Mix everything until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

MAKE THE FILLING

  1. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
  2. In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground black cardamom until evenly combined.

SHAPE THE BUNS

  1. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air.
  2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
  3. Spread the butter and vanilla mixture evenly over the dough.
  4. Sprinkle the sugar and cardamom mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
  5. Fold the left and right sides of the dough inward to overlap on top of each other to create three layers.
  6. Roll out the folded dough a bit to flatten it slightly.
  7. Cut the dough into long strips, about 3/4 inches wide.
  8. Take each strip and stretch it out slightly.
  9. Wrap each strip around your fingers twice to create a twisted shape, then wrap it around the center and tuck the end underneath to secure the design.

SECOND PROOF

  1. Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each bun.
  2. Cover the buns with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about an hour in a warm place, or until they are puffy.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

SIMPLE SYRUP & TOPPINGS

  1. In a pot over medium heat add the water, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Bring to a boil so all the sugar is dissolved and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool to room temperature so it thickens up a bit more.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
  4. In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cardamom.

BAKE

  1. Brush the risen buns with the egg wash.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Brush the cardamom buns with simple syrup and sprinkle the tops with white sugar and black cardamom.
  4. Let the buns cool slightly before serving and enjoy your delicious Swedish cardamom buns!

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!