Happy Cinnamon Roll Day or Kanelbullens Dag

Did you know October 4th 2009 is Kanelbullens Dag in Sweden? Imagine a whole day in where the country celebrates the simple , delectable cinnamon roll. As they should! The Swedes are attributed to inventing one of the worlds famous pastry. In 1999 the Home baking Council /Hembakningsråde came up with the concept on the occasion of their 40th anniversary.The rolls would be perfect for a long leisurely Fika( coffee break). Many of you know I have a deep affinity for Sweden as my Certain Someone has a residence there and I have family on my fathers side. I never imagined Sweden would become part of my life, but it has. I didn't make it there this year, but hopefully next year I can enjoy this view by the house.

I found a lot of recipes were very similar. I didn't have the full amount of sugar or ground cinnamon on hand. As a result I had to grind my own and sift. I could have used a touch more, but the cinnamon and cardamon flavors shined through. I found it interesting the little rising time that these rolls needed. They can be whipped up rather easily without making it a days project. I used Trina Hahnemann's recipe from The Scandinavian Cookbook.Trina is Danish, but compiled a lovely cook book of recipes in Scandinavia by the months. Naturally this falls under October.I reviewed her book here.

Cinnamon Rolls
adapted from The Scandinavian Cookbook
2 oz fresh yeast
2 cups lukewarm water
3/4 cup softened butter
1 egg beaten
6 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cardamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
3/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
1 egg beaten
Swedish Pearl Sugar for topping

In a large bow/ stand mixer, mix yeast and warm milk until dissolved. Add butter, and then beaten egg. Sift dry ingredients of flour,cardamon,and salt. Add to milk and yeast. Add sugar to dough. Knead until a smooth ball forms . If you knead by hand, knead for five minutes.
Cover dough with a towel and let rest/rise for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Mix butter, cinnamon and sugar for filling.

After 30 minutes divide dough in half. Roll out into 16 x 12 in rectangles. Spread cinnamon sugar butter mixture over dough. Roll starting on the long side into a wide cylinder. Cut into 1 inch pieces and place on a parchment lined baking sheep or muffin baking cups. Press down slightly if you want to spread on baking sheet( without muffin cup).Cover and let rise 20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Brush the cinnamon rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with the Swedish pearl sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.