If you’re looking to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family, look no further than the delightful Swedish Coffee Bread Bullar! This traditional treat, with its soft, fluffy texture and aromatic hints of cardamom, is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Imagine the warm, inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen as these golden-brown buns rise to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a batch of 12 irresistible bullar that are sure to become a cherished favorite. Ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup pearl sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm milk (around 110°F) and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom to create a dry ingredient blend.
- Add softened butter and eggs to the activated yeast mixture, whisking until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth, developing gluten structure.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions, shaping each into a round bun or traditional Swedish bullar shape.
- Place shaped buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each for expansion.
- Let the shaped buns rise again for 30-40 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rising period.
- Brush the buns with beaten egg and generously sprinkle pearl sugar over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or enjoy alongside coffee for an authentic Swedish experience.
Tips
- Activate Your Yeast: Ensure your milk is warm but not hot (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect rise!
- Knead with Care: When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth and elastic texture. This develops the gluten, which is key to fluffy buns. Don’t rush this process!
- Warm Rising Environment: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm area, such as an oven turned off but with the light on. This creates a cozy environment for the yeast to work its magic.
- Shape Uniformly: When dividing the dough, use a kitchen scale for precision. This ensures all your buns bake evenly and look appealing.
- Don’t Skimp on Pearl Sugar: This traditional topping not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the visual appeal. Be generous!
- Check for Doneness: To determine if the buns are done, tap the bottom; they should sound hollow. This is a great trick to avoid underbaking!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your bullar warm, alongside butter and jam, or pair them with a steaming cup of coffee for a true Swedish fika moment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
