Swedish Cardamom Buns by Chef Ammar Albarakati

We have collaborated with Chef Ammar Albarakati, a celebrity Saudi chef, entrepreneur, and former contestant on MBC Top Chef. Known for his innovative approach to traditional recipes, Chef Ammar has brought his expertise to a timeless treat—Swedish Cardamom Buns.

He uses our premium Emperor Akbar Cardamom, which is renowned for rich aroma and intense flavour. This cardamom adds a unique depth to the buns, taking them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfectly spiced, soft, and fragrant, these Swedish Cardamom Buns (also known as Kardemummabullar) are a popular Swedish pastry that will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents and delight everyone.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1 cup warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)

2 tsp active dry yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tsp salt

4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1/2 tsp ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom

1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Cardamom Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)

2 tbsp ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

1 egg (for brushing)

2 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)

1 tbsp ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom (to sprinkle)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in the warm milk (110°F/43°C) in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and activated.

Next, add the melted butter, salt, and ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom to the yeast mixture, and mix well. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, until a dough begins to form.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Make the Cardamom Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cardamom filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until it forms a smooth paste.

Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle approximately 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm).

Spread the cardamom filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

Slice and Shape the Buns: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled dough into approximately 12 equal pieces. For a traditional look, you can also twist the slices into a swirl shape or knot them for an even more elegant presentation.

Place the buns on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each one to allow them to expand as they bake. Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until they are puffy and have doubled in size.

Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush each bun with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish. Then, sprinkle the buns with sugar and a pinch of ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom to enhance the flavour and add a lovely touch of sweetness and spice.

Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

These Swedish Cardamom Buns are best enjoyed fresh, ideally with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich, buttery dough paired with the fragrant Emperor Akbar Cardamom filling makes for an unforgettable treat.