Few things feel as cozy and comforting as the smell of freshly baked Swedish cinnamon rolls drifting through the kitchen. Known in Sweden as kanelbullar, these softly spiced, lightly sweet rolls are a true treat, meant to be shared slowly with coffee and good company. What sets them apart is their signature finish: a generous sprinkle of Swedish Pearl Sugar, which adds a delicate crunch and a beautiful sparkle to each roll. Swedish Pearl Sugar is a topping typically used in Scandinavia to decorate cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls and more. The pure white granules are bake-stable, meaning they retain their appearance and will not melt under oven temperatures. Pearl sugar is both an attractive garnish and a delightful pop of sweetness, perfect for all kinds of baked goods.
In this recipe, we’re leaning into Swedish tradition to create cinnamon rolls that the whole family will love. Designed for all baking skill levels, these rolls will be as enjoyable to make as they are to eat! Best enjoyed fresh from the oven with Nordic coffee, fika-style. Join us on Instagram to follow along as we bake a batch!
Swedish Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Bake time: 10-15 minutes | Yields: 18-24 rolls
INGREDIENTS:
Dough
1 ½ sticks butter, melted
1 cup warm milk (100°F)
1 packet (¼ oz) active dry yeast
¼ cup sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ to 1 tsp ground cardamom, optional
3 - 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
3 tbsp sugar
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, softened
Topping
1 egg lightly beaten
¼ cup Lars Own Swedish Pearl Sugar (or however much your heart desires!)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, warm milk and yeast; stir until dissolved
- Add sugar, salt, cardamom (if using) and most of the flour
- Work together until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in warm place 40 minutes.
- Place dough on a lightly-floured surface and knead using remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough. Roll out dough to form a 12-inch by 16-inch rectangle
- For filling, combine sugar and cinnamon. Spread softened butter evenly over dough and sprinkle with sugar mixture
- Roll up dough lengthwise, pinching to seal. Gently stretch log to about 24-inches long
- Slice into 24 equal pieces using a serrated knife
- Arrange slices on greased baking sheet or muffin pan; cover lightly with plastic wrap. Let dough rise 20 minutes
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Brush the top of the rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with Lars Own Swedish Pearl Sugar
- Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown
