Swedish Cardamom Bread (Kardemummabullar) - freshly baked bread

Swedish Cardamom Bread (Kardemummabullar)

Sweet Breads & Brioche

Fragrant Scandinavian sweet bread perfumed with ground cardamom and topped with pearl sugar.

Prep Time

25 min

Proof Time

1h 30m

Bake Time

25 min

Servings

10

Calories

260

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix

    Combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm milk, and egg.

  2. 2

    Add Butter

    Incorporate softened butter gradually until dough is smooth and elastic.

  3. 3

    Rise

    Cover and rise 60–90 minutes (or refrigerate overnight).

  4. 4

    Shape

    Shape as directed and place in a greased pan.

  5. 5

    Second Rise

    Cover and rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

  6. 6

    Bake

    Brush with egg wash. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until deep golden brown.

Baker's Notes

Cold dough is much easier to handle when making enriched breads. Refrigerate brioche and babka doughs for at least 2 hours before shaping.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

Swedish cardamom bread, known as kardemummabullar, is one of those deceptively simple Scandinavian treats that smells incredible the moment it hits the oven. Ground cardamom perfumes every crumb of this enriched dough, while pearl sugar scattered on top crackles with tiny bursts of sweetness during baking.

Canadian home cooks fall for it because the cardamom feels exotic yet comforting — like something you'd discover on a trip to Stockholm but can easily recreate in your own kitchen. The result is a pillowy, slightly sweet bread that pairs beautifully with black coffee or tea.

Tips for the Best Swedish Cardamom Bread (Kardemummabullar)

Grind your cardamom from whole pods just before mixing — pre-ground loses its magic quickly. Enriched doughs are much easier to shape when chilled, so pop yours in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling into rolls. A light egg wash before baking gives you that signature golden sheen.

What to Serve With It

Serve warm with a cup of strong black coffee — it's the classic Swedish pairing. These are equally lovely at breakfast alongside butter and jam, or as a light dessert with clotted cream. They travel well too, making them perfect for potlucks or coffee mornings with neighbours.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled kardemummabullar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for five minutes to restore the soft texture — microwaving makes them gummy. They also freeze beautifully for up to a month.

Nutrition Facts

260

cal

5g

Protein

11g

Fat

27g

Carbs

1g

Fiber

308mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?+

Absolutely. Instant yeast goes straight into the dry ingredients and saves you the step of dissolving it in warm liquid first. Just reduce the liquid in the recipe by about a tablespoon.

Is pre-ground cardamom okay, or must I grind my own?+

Whole pods give the best flavour, but pre-ground works in a pinch. Cardamom loses its aromatic oils quickly once ground, so buy small quantities and store them tightly sealed away from light.

Can I let the dough rise overnight in the fridge?+

Yes — this is actually one of my favourite methods. The slow cold fermentation develops deeper cardamom flavour and makes the dough easier to shape. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.

What can I substitute for pearl sugar?+

Coarse turbinado sugar works well, as does regular granulated sugar. You can also sprinkle a little extra ground cardamom mixed with sugar on top for more spice flavour.

Do I really need an egg wash?+

It's not essential, but it gives you that beautiful golden sheen that makes kardemummabullar look bakery-fresh. Skip it if you prefer a matte finish — the flavour stays the same either way.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cold dough is much easier to handle — refrigerate enriched doughs before shaping.
  • Egg wash gives the best golden, glossy finish on enriched breads.
  • Rich breads make the best French toast and bread pudding.

Reviews (5)

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.