Print

Swedish Cardamom Pistachio Buns

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Swedish Cardamom Pistachio Buns are soft, aromatic pastries featuring a buttery cardamom-spiced dough filled with a sweet pistachio mixture and twisted into beautiful knots. Inspired by traditional Scandinavian buns, they’re perfect for brunch, coffee breaks, or festive baking.

Ingredients

  • For the dough:
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp ground cardamom
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • For the filling:
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
  • Pinch of salt (optional)
  • For the topping:
  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
  • Optional: 1 tbsp pearl sugar or cardamom sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, salt, cardamom, and yeast.
  2. Add the warm milk, egg, and softened butter. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with brown sugar, cardamom, chopped pistachios, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the dough. Fold the dough lengthwise into thirds, like a letter.
  7. Cut the folded dough into 1-inch strips. Twist each strip and shape into knots or spirals.
  8. Place the shaped buns onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Brush buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and pearl sugar if using.
  11. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Freshly ground cardamom offers the best flavor—grind whole pods if possible.
  • Buns can be shaped and frozen before the second rise. Thaw and let rise before baking.
  • For extra shine and flavor, brush buns with a simple sugar syrup after baking.
  • If preferred, shape dough into a roll and cut like cinnamon rolls for simpler preparation.
  • Serve with coffee for a traditional Swedish fika experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/swedish-cardamom-pistachio-buns/