Introduction IKEA's Kanelbullar:
Did you know that over
150 million kanelbullar are
sold annually in Sweden alone? That’s a lot of cinnamon love! Yet, despite
their popularity, many home bakers believe recreating the iconic
kanelbullar Ikea
experience is complicated or out of reach. Spoiler alert: it’s not! In fact,
with a few insider tricks, you can whip up these heavenly buns right in your
kitchen—soft, buttery, and bursting with spiced sweetness.
Today, we're diving deep into mastering
kanelbullar
Ikea-style
cinnamon buns, using an authentic recipe that's both beginner-friendly and
absolutely delicious.
Ingredients List
To bake your own batch of irresistibly cozy kanelbullar Ikea, here’s what you’ll need:
Dough:
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Filling:
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp cardamom (optional but traditional for real Swedish flair)
Topping:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Pearl sugar (or crushed sugar cubes if unavailable)
🌟 Creative Variations:
- Swap cardamom for nutmeg if you prefer a warmer, earthier spice blend.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds inside the filling for an extra crunch.
- For a vegan twist, use plant-based butter and almond milk.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
✨ Efficiency Tip:
Pre-measuring ingredients while your dough rises saves a ton of time and keeps
baking stress-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, dissolve the
yeast and
sugar into the
warm milk. Let it sit for
about 5 minutes until it’s
foamy.
💡 Pro Tip: If your yeast doesn't
bubble, the milk may be too hot or the yeast expired!
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add the egg, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, one cup at a time, stirring gently. Mix in the butter until the dough comes together.
Transfer to a floured surface and knead for
8–10 minutes until smooth
and elastic.
💡 Pro Tip: The dough should bounce
back when poked—this means gluten is working its magic!
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While waiting, blend the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom into a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Step 5: Roll and Shape
Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle about
12x18 inches.
Spread the filling evenly over the surface.
For classic kanelbullar Ikea look, fold the dough into thirds like a letter, then cut into ¾-inch strips. Twist each strip gently and coil into a knot.
💡 Pro Tip: Twisting creates those gorgeous swirled layers when baked!
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover lightly and let them rise another 30–45 minutes.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Bake
Preheat oven to
425°F (220°C).
Brush each bun with beaten
egg and sprinkle generously
with pearl sugar.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and shiny.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let cool slightly on a wire rack before diving in (though warm kanelbullar are truly irresistible!).
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Bun (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Healthier Alternatives
Want a lighter kanelbullar Ikea at home? Here’s how:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap 1 cup of white flour for whole wheat for more fiber.
- Low-Fat Milk: Reduces saturated fat without sacrificing softness.
- Natural Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic option.
- Plant-Based Butter: Perfect for a dairy-free, vegan version.
🧠Bonus: Whole wheat versions offer a nuttier flavor that complements cinnamon beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
✨ Best Ways to Enjoy Kanelbullar:
- Fresh out of the oven with a steaming cup of coffee (classic Swedish fika moment!)
- Slightly reheated and slathered with butter for breakfast.
- Served alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Sprinkled with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar during the holidays for a festive twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake #1: Overheating
the milk → Kills the yeast. Always check temperature (~110°F).
❌ Mistake #2: Skipping
second rise → Leads to dense, heavy buns.
❌ Mistake #3: Using cold
butter → Makes it harder to incorporate into dough smoothly.
❌ Mistake #4: Overbaking →
Turns soft kanelbullar into dry hockey pucks.
💡 Expert Tip: Keep a close eye during the last few baking minutes. Every oven varies!
Storing Tips
🛒 Fresh Storage:
Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temp for up to
3 days.
❄️ Freezing:
Freeze individually wrapped buns in a freezer-safe bag for up to
2 months. Reheat in a 300°F
oven for 5–7 minutes.
💡 Meal Prep Tip:
Freeze shaped (but unbaked) buns! When ready, thaw, rise, and bake fresh for
bakery-level results at home.
Conclusion
Now that you know the secrets behind authentic
kanelbullar Ikea, it’s time
to roll up your sleeves and start baking! With a buttery dough, aromatic
cinnamon filling, and sparkling sugar topping, these Swedish cinnamon buns are
pure magic.
👉 Don't forget to comment below with your results or sign up for more cozy
baking adventures!
FAQs
1. Can I make kanelbullar Ikea-style ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the buns up to the shaping step, then refrigerate overnight. Allow them to come to room temp and rise before baking.
2. What can I use if I can’t find pearl sugar?
Crush regular sugar cubes lightly with a rolling pin for a DIY pearl sugar effect.
3. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
It should double in size and retain a slight indent when poked gently with a finger.
4. Can I skip cardamom in the filling?
Sure! While traditional, it’s optional. Without it, the buns will have a more straightforward cinnamon profile—still delicious!
5. How can I make my buns even softer?
Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dough for extra tenderness and moisture.