Semla: Authentic Swedish Fat Tuesday Buns Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (95-100 degrees F)
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 teaspoons)
• 1.33 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 0.66 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2.5 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 14 ounces almond paste
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 0.33 cup milk, or as needed to achieve desired texture
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, or to taste
• 1.5 cups heavy cream, whipped
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. In a stand mixer bowl, pour in the milk. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk, then add 1 1⁄3 cups of flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Let the mixture stand until it becomes foamy, approximately 20 minutes.
2. Incorporate the remaining flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, cardamom, and salt. Knead the dough using a dough hook attachment (or by hand) until a soft, smooth, and elastic dough forms, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Using flour as needed, roll each portion under your cupped hand to create perfectly smooth balls.
3. Arrange the dough balls evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there is space between each one. Gently push down on each ball. Dust the tops with flour, then cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the buns to rise in a warm area until they have doubled in size, approximately 2 hours.
4. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash generously over the tops of the rolls.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until the buns are lightly golden in color, about 12 minutes. Transfer the baked buns to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
7. In a food processor, combine the almond paste, powdered sugar, milk, and cardamom. Blend until the almond filling is smooth and creamy.
8. Cut a triangle from the top of each bun. Remove a small amount of the crumb from inside the bun to create space for the filling. Pipe the almond filling into each bun, then top with a generous amount of whipped cream. Replace the triangle top and dust with powdered sugar before serving your delicious Semlor.

Nutrition

• Calories: 515 kcal
• Fat Content: 28 g
• Fiber Content: 3 g
• Sodium Content: 193 mg
• Protein Content: 9 g
• Cholesterol Content: 76 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 58 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g