Korvapuusti (Finnish Cinnamon Buns)
In short: Soft cardamom dough rolled with butter, sugar and cinnamon, cut into wedges and pressed so the swirl fans out. A Finnish coffee-time classic. It takes about 52 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 1 h 30 min
- Total
- 52 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Korvapuusti are Finland's cinnamon buns, pressed into a fan shape rather than rolled into a round. The name means roughly slapped ear, after the way the cut wedges are pushed down so the swirl spreads like an ear. The dough is a soft, cardamom-scented pulla dough, rolled with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Finns eat them with coffee, usually warm.
Instructions
- Mix the flour, sugar, cardamom, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Add the milk and egg and knead for 5 minutes. Add the softened butter and knead 5 minutes more, until the dough is smooth and soft.
- Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 30 x 50 cm (12 x 20 in). Spread it with the soft butter and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up tightly from a long side into a log. Cut it into 12 wedges with diagonal cuts, alternating the direction each time, so each piece is a triangle about 4 cm (1 1/2 in) wide at the base.
- Set each wedge on a lined tray with its pointed edge up, and press a finger or the handle of a wooden spoon into the top so the layers fan out. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 225°C (435°F). Brush the buns with the egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool on a rack under a towel for 10 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips
- Grind fresh cardamom seeds if you can. Pre-ground cardamom loses its aroma quickly, and it is the flavor that makes Finnish buns taste Finnish.
- To bake for breakfast, shape the buns the evening before, cover and refrigerate overnight. Leave them at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake.
Questions and answers
Why are they called korvapuusti?
The name means roughly slapped ear in Finnish. The wedges are pressed down on top so the swirl fans out like an ear.
How long do korvapuusti stay fresh?
They are best on the day they are baked, but keep in an airtight container for 3 days. Warm them for a few minutes in a 160°C (325°F) oven.
Can I freeze korvapuusti?
Yes. Freeze baked, cooled buns for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
How long does it take to make Korvapuusti (Finnish Cinnamon Buns)?
About 52 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Korvapuusti (Finnish Cinnamon Buns)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
