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Swedes love coffee so much, they built an official coffee break into their workday called “fika.” Typically held either mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or both, fika is a chance for Swedes to slow down, connect with coworkers, and enjoy a hot beverage with a tasty snack. Integral to the traditional fika experience is kanelbullar, or cinnamon buns.
This sugar crystal-studded classic Swedish pastry features woven or twirled ribbons of cardamom bread dough hiding layers of cinnamon and pockets of butter. Sounds good, right? The Swedish are so proud of this delicacy that they created an entire holiday around it, Kanelbullens Dag (Cinnamon Bun Day), and it’s coming up on October 4th.
In celebration of this delicious holiday, here are five spots in Stockholm Local Guides love for their cinnamon buns.
This charming cafe has French vibes and arguably the largest kanelbullar in Stockholm. This plate-sized interpretation requires at least two people to finish it (or just one if you really believe in yourself).
Local Guides say:
“The cafe was packed when my brother and I visited on a Saturday afternoon, but the taste of the cinnamon bun was so worth the wait. The outside was crisp and sweet while the insides were soft, warm and perfect. A single cinnamon bun is enough to share…” - Local Guide Steph Todd
This widely respected kanelbullar manages to have the perfect, classic kanelbulle consistency, but deviates from the classic slightly with a syrup-filled center and almond flakes on top.
Local Guides say:
“My favorite kanelbullar and kardemummabullar in Sthlm! The fact that you need to get your own coffee and the free refills really give this place a home-like feel :)” -Local Guide NRC63AMG
Going old school in everything from its look to its cinnamon buns, this bakery follows a classic recipe that gives some height and density to the buns as well as plenty of cinnamon.
Local Guides say:
“Cozy little bakery with great selections of breads and pastries. Best kanelbullar in Stockholm.” -Local Guide Dan Towers
Stylish and comfortable, this cafe has been around since the 1920s, and its kanelbullar reflect its history, adhering to a traditional recipe.
Local Guides say:
“You experience a classy traditional Swedish cafe. Enjoy cakes and sweet breads - the classic Swedish kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) being my favourite - with refillable coffee or a large pot of tea in a cozy and refined setting.” -Local Guide Paul Pui Wo Lee
Like Vette-Katten, Lillebrors bageri tops its kanelbullar with almond flakes, but the comparisons stop there. This quaint bakery serves up incredibly moist buns that do not bother to attempt to cover up the amount of butter used.
Local Guides say:
“Best Cinnamon bun in Stockholm! Totally worth the hype, the wait and the walk there… fantastic!” -Local Guide Adam Almagro
What is your favorite cafe for a coffee break? Let us know in the comments below!
This swedish version sounds much better than what I’m used to in the states 
. Regardless, seems I’ll be celebrating from the U.S. with my own cinnamon bun 
. Happy Kanelbullens Dag!