The Nordics • Eat & drink • Foodie finds: Stockholm’s best ‘kanelbulle’ cinnamon bun
The kanelbulle, or Swedish cinnamon bun, is a beloved staple of Swedish culture, often enjoyed during fika, the treasured coffee break tradition. Dating back to the early 20th century, the kanelbulle is made from a yeasted dough flavoured with cardamom, filled with butter, sugar and cinnamon, then rolled and baked to perfection. The top is traditionally sprinkled with pearl sugar, giving it a delightful crunch. October 4th is even celebrated as Cinnamon Bun Day in Sweden, where the nation enjoys an extra dose of this treat. Whether enjoyed at home or in a café, the kanelbulle is a symbol of Swedish warmth and hospitality. This list contains our favourite bakeries when feeling the need of a delicious kanelbulle.
01
Svedjans bageri is a hidden cinnamon gem in Stockholm’s Södermalm district. Founded by Alfred Hellström, a baker with a passion for craft, the place exudes rustic northern Swedish charm. Their kanelbulle, known for its perfect balance of spice and sweetness, is topped with crunchy pearl sugar. The bakery’s interior is minimalist but cosy with natural wood tones complementing the unfussy, functional decor. Every detail, from the farm-sourced dairy to the house-made bread, underscores their commitment to quality. The intimate atmosphere makes it a favourite among locals for fika, Stockholm’s beloved coffee break ritual.
Photography courtesy of Svedjans Bageri
02
Skeppsbro Bageri, perched along the waterfront in Stockholm’s Old Town, is a haven for pastry lovers. Håkan Johansson Frost, Sweden’s only world champion baker, runs the place alongside Fredrik Ekman. Their kanelbulle is a must-try, crowned best in Stockholm multiple times. It’s perfectly balanced with a buttery, soft texture and just the right hint of cinnamon. The bakery itself, housed in a restored warehouse with a view, reflects a minimalist and inviting style with plenty of outdoor seating, offering uninterrupted vistas overlooking the harbour inlet. The use of 100% organic ingredients adds to the charm.
Photography courtesy of Skeppsbro Bageri
03
Lillebrors Bageri, located on the vibrant Rörstrandsgatan, is famed for its impeccable kanelbulle. It is a place to which we tend to return to time and time again. The buns are perfectly balanced – soft with just the right amount of butter, cinnamon and sweetness. The bakery, run by passionate artisans, has a small, cosy interior, where most of the space is taken up by the wooden counter and no indoor seating area. In warmer months, guests can spill out onto the street, enjoying their fika as the road transforms into a pedestrian zone, teeming with well dressed 30-something professionals pushing equally stylish offspring in prams. Despite its modest size, Lillebrors’ reputation for quality draws a crowd, often leading to queues, but the wait is well worth it for the warm, fresh pastries made daily.
Photography courtesy ofLillebrors Bageri
04
Bergstrands Bageri, located near Odenplan in Stockholm, is a craft bakery with a cosy and down-to-earth vibe. Run by Tobias and Sara Bergstrand, everything here is handmade, with a strong focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. The kanelbulle is a popular staple – beautifully baked with a perfect balance of cinnamon and sugar, just the way we like it and capturing the heart of Swedish fika culture. The bakery has a very small seating area inside, but in warmer months, outdoor seating expands. The space is simple and unpretentious and the neighbourhood is unremarkable, but that lets the baked goods fully take centre stage!
Photography courtesy of Bergstrands Bageri
05
Tössebageriet, a Stockholm institution since 1920, has earned its reputation as a classic Swedish bakery. Located on Karlavägen in the chic district of Östermalm, the bakery exudes old-world charm with its cosy interior and a history of crafting traditional Swedish pastries. Their kanelbulle is known for its perfectly balanced flavours of cinnamon and butter, with a hint of cardamom that elevates the experience. While the bakery is small, there is an outdoor terrace that offers extra space for a fika. It is especially nice to sit along the south facing wall, catching the first rays of sun on an early spring day!
Photography courtesy of Tössebageriet
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