Cinnamon Bun Day
The ultimate celebration of Sweden’s sweetest obsession! On October 4th, an entire nation pauses for one glorious reason: Kanelbullens dag (the Cinnamon Bun Day). This is also the reason I published this page under Food & Beverage, instead of in the Swedish habits & traditions section. It’s a too important part of Sweden to be only a habit or tradition, it’s in our genes…since 1999.
It is a day when the scent of warm yeast, melted butter, and spicy cardamom fills every street, office, and home from Malmö to Kiruna.
The person who came up with the cinnamon bun theme in 1999 was Kaeth Gardestedt, who was then the project manager at the Home Baking Council (Hembakningsrådet).
In a newspaper interview, she stated that she wanted the day to be associated with thoughtfulness and for retailers to donate money to charity. The cinnamon bun was also promoted as a quintessentially Swedish pastry that resonates with many people in the country and is often associated with a sense of home and care.
Here are five delicious secrets about Sweden’s favourite pastry to get you in the holiday spirit.
Massive consumption of buns
Swedes devour millions of buns on this single day alone. The rest of the year, we might be a little more healthy, unless we´re talking easter and fat tuesday. Those days, most people have some extra sweetness in their lives.
The cinnamon buns secret twist
Authentic Swedish buns use crushed cardamom in the dough for a unique flavor. Most people like it, a few don´t.
No heavy icing on Swedish buns
An authentic Swedish cinnamon bun are elegantly topped with crunchy pearl sugar, never thick white frosting. That would nearly be a crime. That 50% of the pearl sugar fall off the bun before it´s even near the mouth, is just part of the game.
A modern tradition
The holiday started in 1999 to celebrate the joy of home baking. Personally, I think it was a great idea. People need something that bring them together, which a Fika does, and if that Fika includes a cinnamon bun or two, it´s just better.
The fika rule
Eating a bun without a hot cup of coffee, tea, or soda is practically a crime.
Whether you are a seasoned baker or just love a good sweet treat, October 4th is your perfect excuse to indulge. Grab a coffee & a cinnamon bun, find a cozy spot, and join the global fika community!