There is always something to celebrate. Always a reason to eat. At least in Sweden. Today it is the 4th of October, since 1999 – the year we were blessed with our first child – this day has been named ”The day of the cinnamon roll” – or Kanelbullens dag in Sweden. It might seem a bit infantile to celebrate a pastry, but the day was established to celebrate the baking done in the homes. (But I guess people baking buns professionally are very happy this day).

So – for any English-speaking friend, here is the recipe for the bun of the day.

Swedish buns – Cinnamon rolls

Dough: 3 dl milk, 50 g fresh yeast, 100 g butter, 1 dl sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 9 dl all-purpose flour
Filling: 50 g butter, softened, 1/2 dl sugar, 1-2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Garnish: 1 egg, pearl sugar or crushed sugar cubes

1. Heat milk to 37°C (98°F)
2. Crumble yeast in a large bowl. Add some milk and stir until yeast is dissolved.
3. Add remaining liquid, butter in slices, salt, sugar, cardamon, and around 2/3 of the flour. Knead until smooth and elastic. Add more flour when kneading, but save some for rolling out. Dough is ready when it begins to clean bowl.
4. Sprinkle with flour. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. About 30 minutes.
5. Knead dough a few minutes in blown. Turn out onto a floured board. Knead in remaining flour. Dough is ready when it begins to clean board.
6. Roll out dough in a rectangle. Spread with soft butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon and roll up.
7. Cut into 1-2 cm slices and place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. About 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 250°C (475°F).
8. Brush rolls with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
9. Bake 5-10 minutes in the middle of he oven. Cool covered.