If you love homemade cinnamon rolls but want something even more fragrant and bakery-worthy, these Cardamom Cinnamon Buns are the perfect treat. Inspired by Scandinavian baking traditions, these buns feature a rich, buttery brioche-style dough wrapped around a sweet cinnamon and cardamom filling. Instead of a thick layer of icing, every bite is packed with warm spices, tender layers, and irresistibly caramelized bottoms.The addition of cardamom transforms these buns into something truly special. Its floral, citrus-like aroma pairs beautifully with cinnamon, creating a deeper and more sophisticated flavor that’s comforting without being overly sweet.Although these buns look impressive, they’re surprisingly approachable. With a little patience during the rising and shaping process, you’ll end up with bakery-quality pastries that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, coffee breaks, or holiday gatherings.

Cardamom Cinnamon Buns Recipe – Soft, Buttery & Caramelized

Learn how to make soft, buttery Cardamom Cinnamon Buns with a rich brioche dough, warm cinnamon-cardamom filling, and perfectly caramelized bottoms. An easy Scandinavian-inspired recipe everyone will love.

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Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 24 buns

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Scandinavian

Calories: 360

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 1 cup plus 2 teaspoons whole milk warmed to about 95°F (35°C)
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 4⅔ cups bread flour
• ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter fully softened

For the Filling

• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• Optional Topping
• Pearl sugar

Method

 

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm—not hot. Pour it into the bowl of a stand mixer and stir in the active dry yeast. Allow it to dissolve before adding the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add:

1. Egg
2. Granulated sugar
3. Cardamom
4. Sea salt
5. Using the dough hook attachment, begin mixing on low speed.
6. Gradually add the bread flour, about half a cup at a time.
7. Once incorporated, add the softened butter.
8. Mix on low speed for about 4 minutes until the dough starts coming together.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth

1. Increase the mixer to medium speed and knead for approximately 10 minutes.
2. The finished dough should:
3. Be smooth
4. Pull away from the bowl
5. Feel soft and elastic
6. Pass the windowpane test when stretched gently
7. If the dough feels overly sticky, continue mixing before adding any extra flour.

Step 4: First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a smooth ball.
2. Place it into a lightly greased bowl.
3. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
4. Let rise at room temperature for 45–60 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Make the Filling

1. Beat together the softened butter until creamy.
2. Mix in:
3. Dark brown sugar
4. Sea salt
5. Cinnamon
6. Cardamom
7. Finally, blend in the light brown sugar until smooth and spreadable.
8. The filling should be soft but not melted.

Step 6: Roll the Dough

1. Lightly flour your work surface.
2. Roll the risen dough into a rectangle measuring approximately:
3. 22 inches long
4. 15 inches wide
5. Try to keep the thickness as even as possible.

Step 7: Spread the Filling

1. Spread the cinnamon-cardamom butter evenly over the dough, leaving only a very small border around the edges.
2. An offset spatula works especially well for this step.

Step 8: Fold Like a Letter

1. Fold one-third of the dough toward the center.
2. Fold the opposite side over it, creating three layers.
3. Lightly press to remove any trapped air.
4. Roll gently until the dough measures roughly 24 inches long.

Step 9: Cut into Strips

1. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into:
2. 24 strips
3. About 1 inch wide each
4. Keeping the strips even helps ensure uniform baking.

Step 10: Shape the Buns

1. Gently stretch each strip until it’s approximately 18–20 inches long.
2. Twist the strip several times.
3. Wrap it around two fingers twice, then tuck the end underneath to create a neat, braided bun.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 11: Prepare the Pan

1. For beautifully caramelized bottoms, lightly butter each cup of a muffin pan.
2. Sprinkle a small amount of light brown sugar into each cup before placing the shaped buns inside.
3. If you prefer, the buns can also be baked on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 12: Second Rise

1. Cover the shaped buns loosely with greased plastic wrap.
2. Allow them to rise for about 1 hour, or until puffy and about one and a half times their original size.

Step 13: Brush with Egg Wash

1. Whisk together:
2. Egg
3. Whole milk
4. Brush each bun lightly with the egg wash.
5. If desired, sprinkle the tops with pearl sugar for a traditional Scandinavian finish.

Step 14: Bake

1. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18–20 minutes, or until:
2. Deep golden brown
3. Well risen
4. Caramelized on the bottoms
5. Allow the buns to cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

These Cardamom Cinnamon Buns are proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly unforgettable. The rich brioche-style dough, buttery cinnamon-cardamom filling, and crisp caramelized bottoms come together in every bite, making these buns feel like they came straight from a Scandinavian bakery.

Whether you’re baking them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm spices, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Serve them fresh from the oven while they’re still warm, and enjoy every soft, buttery layer.