Sweet Aromatic Finnish Buns

This Finnish cardamom roll recipe brings the essence of Nordic baking right to your kitchen. The aromatic cardamom infuses these soft, pillowy rolls with a distinctive warmth that pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon filling. Each bite offers a taste of Finnish tradition that makes everyday moments feel special.

I discovered these rolls during a particularly cold winter when I was craving something comforting yet different from typical cinnamon rolls. After mastering the technique, they've become my signature bake for weekend brunches and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• Milk lukewarm essential for activating yeast while adding richness to the dough
• Sugar balances the spice and helps activate the yeast for proper rising
• Active dry yeast the magic that creates those fluffy airy rolls
• Eggs provide structure and richness to create that perfect tender crumb
• Butter unsalted gives the dough its melt in your mouth quality
• Cardamom the star ingredient that gives these rolls their distinctive Finnish character look for fresh whole pods to grind yourself for the best flavor
• Salt enhances all flavors and strengthens the dough structure
• All purpose flour creates the perfect texture use unbleached for best results
• Cinnamon adds familiar warmth to complement the cardamom
• Turbinado sugar provides a delightful crunch on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the yeast

Combine lukewarm milk with sugar and yeast in a small bowl and allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This ensures your yeast is alive and will give you perfectly risen rolls.

Create the base mixture

In your stand mixer bowl, combine eggs, softened butter, cardamom, and salt using the paddle attachment. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated, then add the bubbling yeast mixture and continue mixing until fully combined.

Develop the dough

Switch to the dough hook attachment and gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing continuously. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and form into a ball. If still sticky, add small amounts of additional flour until it reaches the right consistency.

First rise

Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour. The dough should feel light and airy when touched.

Prepare and shape

Once risen, gently punch down the dough and divide it into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin rectangle, approximately 12 by 18 inches. Spread softened butter across the entire surface, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Create the rolls

Roll each rectangle into a tight log starting from the narrower side. Cut each log diagonally to create fat V shapes, with the point about ¾ inch and the base about 2 inches wide. This distinctive cutting technique gives these rolls their traditional Finnish appearance.

Second rise

Place the shaped rolls on parchment lined baking sheets and allow them to rise again for about 30 minutes. They should appear puffy and slightly larger in size.

Bake to golden perfection

Brush the rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar before baking at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until beautifully golden brown. The finished rolls should be aromatic and have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft interior.

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The cardamom in these rolls is truly what sets them apart from ordinary cinnamon rolls. My Finnish grandmother taught me that freshly ground cardamom makes all the difference. She would always grind the pods by hand in her small wooden mortar and pestle, and that moment when the spice releases its aroma remains one of my most cherished kitchen memories.

Storage and Freshness

These Finnish cardamom rolls stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their just baked texture and aroma. The flavor actually develops further after the first day as the cardamom infuses more deeply into the dough.

Serving Traditions

In Finland, these cardamom rolls known as "pulla" or "korvapuusti" are traditionally served during fika, the daily coffee break that's an essential part of Nordic culture. Serve them slightly warm with a cup of strong coffee for an authentic experience. For special occasions, try serving them with a dollop of lingonberry jam or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These rolls are meant to be enjoyed slowly, savoring each bite as part of a moment of relaxation and connection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to adapt this recipe, there are several possible variations that still honor the Finnish tradition. Whole milk can be replaced with plant based alternatives like oat milk for a dairy free version. For those avoiding eggs, use a flax egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). While cardamom is essential for authenticity, you can adjust the amount based on your preference or substitute half the cardamom with freshly grated orange zest for a different but complementary flavor profile.

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ What makes these Finnish cardamom rolls authentic?

The authenticity comes from the generous use of freshly ground cardamom in the dough, which is the signature flavor in traditional Finnish 'pulla' pastries. The distinctive 'v' cutting technique and turbinado sugar topping also follow Finnish baking traditions. The combination of cardamom in the dough with cinnamon in the filling creates the classic Nordic flavor profile that's been enjoyed in Finland for generations.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours ahead. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The cold environment slows yeast activity while allowing flavors to develop. When ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before rolling and shaping.

→ What's the best way to store leftover rolls?

Store completely cooled rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in freezer bags for up to 1 month. To refresh before serving, warm room temperature rolls in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, or thawed frozen rolls for 7-10 minutes until just warmed through. This restores their soft texture and enhances the aromatic spices.

→ Can I use pre-ground cardamom?

While pre-ground cardamom will work, the flavor will be significantly less pronounced. For authentic taste, fresh ground cardamom pods are strongly recommended. Remove the seeds from green cardamom pods and grind them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle just before use. The difference in aroma and flavor is remarkable and makes these rolls truly special.

→ What's the secret to perfectly soft rolls?

Several factors ensure soft rolls: avoid adding too much flour (the dough should be slightly tacky), don't overbake (remove when just golden), and brush with butter while still warm from the oven. Most importantly, allow the dough to rise properly both after kneading and after shaping. The 30-minute rest before baking is crucial for developing the light, fluffy texture characteristic of Finnish cardamom rolls.

→ What's the traditional way to serve these rolls?

In Finland, these cardamom rolls (known as 'korvapuusti') are traditionally served slightly warm with coffee, especially during 'fika' – the Nordic coffee break tradition. They're enjoyed throughout the day, from breakfast to afternoon coffee breaks, and are particularly popular during winter months and holidays. They're meant to be savored slowly rather than eaten on the go.