Happy Cinnamon Bun Day!
Did you know that the cinnamon bun (Kanelbulle in Swedish) originated in Sweden? October 4 is the official Cinnamon Bun Day, so get ready to indulge in the delicious treat! In my Swedish lessons I often talk about cultural concepts with my students, and one of those is “Fika” which is the Swedish name for a coffee break with snacks and friendly conversation. Since many of my students are either planning to visit Sweden at some point or move there, they want to know about everyday life and the best ways to engage with the local community. Meeting people over fika is the perfect way to get to know the locals. And no other fika snack is as popular in Sweden as the traditional cinnamon bun. That is why on October 4 every year we celebrate Cinnamon Bun Day!
First of all, let’s talk about the pastry itself. While eaten all over the world today, cinnamon buns are still mostly popular in northern Europe and North America. If you live in the US the thought of cinnamon buns probably conjures up an image of huge rolls covered in sweet icing, but the Swedish variety is actually quite different, and somewhat more guilt-free. The cinnamon buns are made from sweet dough that is twisted and tied into an elaborate knot, and sprinkled with pearl sugar rather than covered with icing. Swedish cinnamon buns also have a hint of cardamom which adds to the distinct flavor of the pastry. If you never had this variety you will likely be pleasantly surprised!
You can get a great kanelbulle in most cafes in Sweden, or you can bake your own. They go great with hot drinks such as coffee or tea, or something cold such as elder flower (fläder) juice, another Swedish staple. Since fika is such a popular way of socializing in Sweden I would suggest trying the cinnamon buns with some friends to get the full experience. If you happen to be in Sweden you can observe the locals to learn about their approach to this break in their busy days, or if you are somewhere else in the world you might want to incorporate some Swedish language and traditions into the event. Perhaps discussing the weather (the Swedes are obsessed with this topic), the latest music exports from Sweden, or perhaps practicing some Swedish words that you picked up in my free trial lesson.
I hope you get to bite into a warm, sweet kanelbulle this Cinnamon Bun Day! And if you want to learn more about the Swedish language and culture you should check out my lessons and group classes delivered by a live instructor online. My students learn to speak Swedish confidently in a matter of a few months, and often enjoy exploring the culture, history and everyday life in Sweden. This is a great way to reconnect with family roots, become closer with a Swedish partner or friend, or perhaps prepare for a move to the Scandinavian country. Just click the button below to schedule your first free session today!
