Not one to resist a challenge – or rather a kind offer – I happily accepted Bernadette’s suggestion to share one of my favourite recipes on her inviting, friendly and classy New Classic Recipe blog. It has a unique format with a personal story behind the recipe for each one featured and it did not take long for me to settle upon Swedish Cinnamon Buns / Kanelbullar. It is a pleasure to share my memories of first baking these as young! Please do click the link below to read the full story and detailed recipe! Enjoy!
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Hi there,
I have a wonderful treat for you today. Annika Perry, who is a wonderfully reflective writer, has shared with us her story and her recipe for Cinnamon Buns.
I chose to post this today because today is Shrove or Fat Tuesday. It is a day that it is traditional to enjoy sweets before the long fast of Lent begins. Annika’s Cinnamon Buns certainly fit the bill for a wonderful sweet treat.
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
-J.R.R. Tolkien
SWEDISH CINNAMON BUNS
There are three women gathered in the kitchen as the ingredients are placed on the counter. My mother and I as well as the presence of my departed Mormor (maternal grandmother). After all it’s her recipe and as the master baker she wouldn’t miss out on the event. It is not a light spiritual awareness of her being rather a profound sensation of her conversation, laughter and no doubt frustration at our slower preparation!
The warmest place in my grandparents’ house was one of the cellar rooms. Eradicate all the images the word creates in your mind of a damp, dark and dusty confine rather my Mormor’s baking cellar room sparkled with light and delicious fragrances dancing on the sun beams. The positive and cheerful energy pulsated through the cracks of the doors. One entered with quiet cautious steps; knowing one was always welcome but not wanting to disturb a critical moment. After all, I didn’t want to miss out on a cake or slice of freshly homemade bread!
To read the complete post please click here.
Annika Perry 
Mmmmm
Those cinnamon buns look great – hope you are having a nice weedend!
Yvette, they are delicious and so glad you like the look of them too! 😀 Thank you, I had a great weekend. Hope you’re keeping well. x
Yes – things here are pretty good.
Thanks and be back again soon
😊🌸☀️
Annika, my dear. Been thinking about you. Hope all is well. Missing you. Sending good vibes and wishing you miracles xoxo
Bless … Thank you so much for your concern and kind thoughts, Selma. All is very well with myself and my family. An unplanned break … life takes us like that at times. Sending you hugs and well wishes xx
So glad to know. May Blessing befall on you. Xoxo take your time
I love the warmth I could sense. It reminded me of my maternal grandmother and her kitchen.
Bless … Luanne, I’m glad my post brought back such lovely memoires for you! ❤️ The warmth of such love & friendship never fades. xx
So lovely Bernadette featured you on your blog, Annika. I thoroughly enjoyed reading memories with your mother and Mormor making Swedish Cinnamon Buns. It’s little moments like these – being gathered together, finding joy in working together – that what comes out in the end feels, and tastes, so good. Your Mormor sounded like she commanded this homemade recipe – and I mean that as a compliment. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I’m not much of a baker but when I bake, I do know I like to take my time. Hope you’re doing well 😊💕
Mable, thank you so much for your lovely comment and it means a lot to me. You are so right in that the love and joy of these precious shared moments are evident in the bake! Oh, my Mormor was an incredible baker and excelled at everything she did … I must say I was in awe at her speed of baking and this is not something I have been able to copy. Like you, I enjoy taking my time, savouring the actions and later the cakes, buns etc!
I am very well, thankfully and just back from my first long trip abroad – it was heavenly and I feel wonderfully recuperated and relaxed! Take care xx ❤️
Ah, looks like the Swedes are great bakers, Annika! There is a Swedish patisserie in Perth, Australia called Miss Maud who is v popular and serves delicious cakes and meals… yummy! Nice post and thank you for sharing your lovely story. 😀💐
Iris, thank you so much for your lovely comment and it’s meant a lot to share the bake and the story behind it.
I think Sweden, as with many countries, has great bakers and I’ve just checked out Miss Maud instagram page – wow! What a feast for the eyes – and hopefully for you to taste if you buy some now and then!
Thanks, Annika. Glad to connect again. Yes, we’ve
recently ordered a b’day cake and some pastries for my sister in Perth. The family enjoyed the treat! We have been to Miss Maud’s restaurant when we visited them in Perth. Have a lovely week and good to hear from you Annika! 🍰☕😋
I love your memories as much as the recipe itself! 💗
Aww … thank you so much for your lovely and special comment, Christy – this means a lot to me! xx
I loved reading this Annika. It has such a sense of warmth, nostalgia and atmosphere, I felt I was in the kitchen with you, dusted in flour.
Haha! 😀😀 Yes, always dusted in flour!
Andrea, your comment has me smiling and I love how my story has evoked such emotions within you – thank you so much. x
Yummmm! I like Bernadette’s blog so much, and the way she humanizes recipes by asking writers like you to share. Your description of it all brings me there. 💙 And makes my mouth water. 😁
Pam, you describe Bernadette’s blog so well and whilst recipes on their own can be a bit dry and dull her posts sparkle with the stories behind the bakes and dishes! I’m smiling that you find these so tempting … wish I could offer you one (or a few!) over a shared afternoon coffee/tea! 😀❤️
How I wish that too! 🍵
That sounds so delicious, Annika.
Such an interesting receipe.
Have never tried cinnamon rolls, but I think I should give it a try.
Ritish, I really hope you have a chance to try one sometime, particularly home-made one! They are very tasty and fun to make … although I am not the most patient waiting for the dough to rise! Many thanks for your lovely comment.
Wow!! Very delicious 😋
Thank you! They are very tasty indeed and never last long in our house! 😀
i can imagine! 😀
A heartwarming, delightful story, Annika. Your writing is such a gift that you offer us. It’s impossible not to feel the loving embrace that resides in your beautiful stories and treasured memories. Bless your heart. The world needs this! xo
Bless! Natalie, warmest thanks for your wonderful and heartfelt comment and I’m beaming away at the thought of the ‘loving embrace’ of my stories and memories! If I have managed to bring some light, love and joy into the world with my story that means the world to me … as you say we all need this more than ever as our minds and hearts are never far from the unfolding horrors.
Take care xx
There’s nothing better than the smell of freshly backed cinnamon buns. It looks like these have raisins too. My maternal grandma was also a wonderful cook and baker. I have many fond memories of learning a variety of things from her.
Nicki, well spotted – these are raisins and I always like to add a few extra! 😀 It’s wonderful you have such precious memories of your time with your maternal grandmother … they seemed to make cooking and bakery such a craft yet with incredible ease and speed! I just wish I’d made many more notes!
What beautiful memories, Annika! Cinnamon buns are a lovely comfort food…
Thank you, Kimberlee and it’s meant a lot to me to share this memory. They are a perfect food but whilst my grandmother was alive they would be served as one of up to seven bakes as part of afternoon coffee gatherings … I remember sometimes struggling to choose between them all!😀
Every time I read the word “cinnamon bun” I can smell its heavenly scent…
Childhood memories are treasures. Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe, Annika.
That’s so true, Jennie and this gave me a wonderful opportunity to revisit this memory and others cascaded upon as a result! I love learning about your childhood memories!
I’m so glad! Best to you, Annika.
How wonderful to make with your mom and have your grandma’s presence, Annika. It’s delicious, precious, and memorable. Thank you for sharing this recipe with me. I love cinnamon buns. I used to buy a large one in the mall to eat while I shop. We cut down on carb so I don’t make it. Thank you for sharing this fun post.😊
Miriam, at the time I took the three of us baking together for granted but obviously later appreciate the wonder and precious nature of these times! When my son was younger my mother, I and my son baked together a lot … and I love how this goes down the generations! Oh, those big cinnamon buns are irresistible and they are my first purchase at the airport in Sweden when we land – carbs, heck yes but it feels like I’ve truly arrived then! These here are quite a bit smaller and hence healthier (or so I tell myself!) 😀 So glad you enjoyed the post! xx
Baking with parents or kids are fun and can create bonding, Annika. I didn’t do any of that with my daughter because I commute long distance for work. I had problem with my ex so there wasn’t any relaxing time at home.
My daughter now bakes with her daughters. As soon as they can hold a whisk, she let them stir the eggs, or knead the dough. I love the way she and her husband engage their kids in the daily life. The kids will have so many fun memories.
After reading your post, I almost try to get my husband to go to the mall with me. 😄 I still want to go soon. 😊
I really enjoyed this post, Annika.
That’s great, Robbie – thank you so much! 😀 My baking has a long way to go to reach your standards although the other day made a special cake for my friend’s birthday and I think you would have liked it! 😀
That is nice of you, Annika. I made lemon cupcakes today. I need to take some to work for my birthday that was two weeks ago already.
A belated Happy Birthday, Robbie and I bet your colleagues can’t wait for you to bring in your bakes – the lemon cupcakes sound divine! 😋
Annika, thanks for sharing your beautiful memories. Such a wonderful story and these are yummy and sweet to eat. The picture is all delicious.
Thank you so much, Kamal! 😀 With photos like this one almost wants to reach out and nab a bun or two! The cinnamon buns are SO tasty and it’s been a pleasure to share this very special memory here! I think my Mormor would have been proud and excited to see the recipe and story enjoyed by so many.
You are always welcome dear Annika and yes your Mormor would have been proud to see her recipe and story too. The cinnamon buns were yummy.
My one vice is sugary treats. I could get in a lot of trouble with these, Annika.
Pete, ditto regarding the sugary treats vice … these are delicious and sweet!
I swear that I can smell them too. I am off to read the full post now.
The aroma of baking is heavenly and love the thought of this drifting over to you in Canada, Donna!
Thank you so much for reading and see you over on Bernadette’s blog! Happy Weekend! 🌺
I could almost smell the yeasty aroma. Marvelous!!
Awww … that’s wonderful, Anne – thank you so much! 😀
Happy childhood memories, delicious food, an excellent Tolkien quote. Time to read the rest…
Betsy, it was a joy to write this guest post and especially to revisit such warm and precious memories! 😀 It means a lot that you enjoy the various elements.
What a great story! And those cinnamon rolls look heavenly. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lynette! It’s been a delight to share my story and oh yes, the cinnamon buns are a treat! Very tasty indeed! 😀
I especially love this story as my heritage is Swedish! Oh my, those cinnamon buns look fabulous, thanks for sharing such a wonderful story. Hugs, C
Cheryl, lovely to connect and that you have Swedish heritage! It’s wonderful you enjoyed my post, the story behind the bake – thank you so much!😀
I LOVE cinnamon buns! Off to borrow/steal a recipe, lol
Aww … that’s wonderful, Jacquie! Thank you so much and enjoy baking these! 😀
It is great how recipes are shared and enjoyed across the blogs … and allows us to experiment much more with our cooking and baking!😀
Enticed by the photo, I’m on my way to read the rest!
Aww … thank you so much! Look forward to seeing you there! x
You’re welcome!
Hi Annika, thanks for sharing your wonderful memories and this recipe that looks sinfully delicious. Cinnamon buns are definitely a rare treat. 💞
Haha! Lauren, you are right about ‘sinfully delicious’! They are irresistible and I recall my Mormor stopping me in a friendly but firm manner as I reached out for my sixth bun once when very young! They are a rare treat for me here in the UK – not so when in Sweden as they are far too readily available!
Annika, I can imagine the aroma. Cinnamon buns are irresistible. Thank you for sharing your recipe and wonderful memories.
Thank you so much, Natalie and it’s been a joy to share both the recipe and my memory of the precious time of baking together! Oh yes, the aroma is delightful and tantilising! Wishing you a great weekend!
I love cinnamon rolls and your recipe looks amazing. I used to like these because I could make the pan up the night before, pop it in the oven (after a warmup) in the morning.
Jacqui, what a great idea to prepare the dough the day before and then just warm-up before baking in the morning! I think I would forgo breakfast and just wait until the buns were ready!
And it works really well. I was surprised.
Looks delicious…😊😊
Thank you … they are incredibly tasty and moreish!
I can’t wait to read the rest, Annika. You’ve already entranced me with your description of that warm cellar. I’m heading over to Bernadette’s.
That’s great, Diana and see you there! 😀 It was a very special place to bake and always so warm! However, one cellar room (a storeroom) had no windows and was always rather spooky!
Ha ha ha. That’s even better. I love those kinds of memories. 🙂
Looks delicious!
Very much so, Jill … nearly too moreish! 😀❤️
Delicious!
They definitely are very tasty, Neil – and don’t last long in this house!😀
Wonderful story. May I now enjoy one of those cinnamon rolls, please?
Of course, Pat, here is one – I hope you can reach it! 😀 It’s lovely that you enjoyed my memory behind the bake. Thank you!
I love this post. A great recipe and very similar to the ones my mom made.
Bless! That’s wonderful, Darlene, thank you so much! I always think of this as a Scandinavian bun – do you have any connections to that part of the world? Do you bake these now as well?
My parents were German Canadian and I always thought it was a German dessert. So it must be a Nordic/Germanic style bun. I haven´t baked them for a while but I have in the past.
Not surprisingly we are both affected by our heritage!😀 I remember during my time at university in German that the pastry cafes were sublime – a treat for eyes and stomach!
I just looked this up on Wikipedia and here is what is says – from both regions and more!:
‘A cinnamon roll (also cinnamon bun, cinnamon swirl, cinnamon Danish and cinnamon snail) is a sweet roll commonly served in Northern Europe (mainly in Nordic countries, but also in Austria and Germany) and North America. In Sweden it is called kanelbulle, in Denmark it is known as kanelsnegl, in Norway it is known as kanelbolle, skillingsboller or kanelsnurr, in Finland it is known as korvapuusti, and in Estonia it is known as kaneelirull.[1][2] [3] In Austria and Germany it is called Zimtschnecke. ‘
Cinnamon. Yay. Yum
I know … cinnamon is delicious and when so young I wasn’t even aware of its healthy properties! They are SO tasty!
So tasty. 😋
Wow, this post made my mouth water, Annika. Thanks for sharing this recipe. Your lovely writing is an added bonus!
Aww … thank you so much, Jennifer! 😀 It was special to revisit this memory and writing it was very poignant for me – a delight to share! Oh, they are delicious and one or even two are just never enough!
They would disappear quickly around here, no doubt! 😊
delicious
They are indeed! I have to be careful how many I put out as my husband has no restraint onhow many he eats when these are on offer!😀
that would be me