Discover the Secret Behind Iceland’s Favorite Cinnamon Roll
Soft, spiced, and slathered in glossy chocolate glaze—Icelandic Snúður is the Nordic cinnamon roll you didn’t know you needed. This traditional Icelandic pastry brings together the warmth of cinnamon, the aroma of cardamom, and the richness of dark chocolate in every soft, pillowy bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend bake or looking to recreate a bakery favorite from Reykjavík, this foolproof Snúður recipe is your passport to Nordic baking bliss.
Why You'll Love This Snúður Recipe
- 🇮🇸 Authentic Icelandic flavor with cardamom & chocolate
- 🥯 Fluffy, bakery-style rolls from scratch
- 🍫 Finished with a luscious chocolate glaze
- 🧑🍳 Intermediate recipe made easy with step-by-step guidance
- ☕ Perfect for fika, breakfast, or an afternoon coffee break
What is Snúður?
Snúður (pronounced "SNOO-thur") is Iceland’s version of a cinnamon roll, but with a distinct twist. Unlike American cinnamon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting, Snúður is typically glazed with dark chocolate and often features cardamom in the dough—a beloved spice across Nordic cuisine. The result? A pastry that’s less sweet but deeply aromatic and rich in texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Active dry yeast
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk
- Egg
- Salt
- Ground cardamom
Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter
Chocolate Glaze:
- Dark chocolate
- Butter
- Honey
- Milk
Full measurements and directions below.
How to Make Icelandic Snúður (Step-by-Step)
1. Activate the yeast
Warm your milk, add yeast and sugar, and let it foam. This ensures the dough will rise beautifully.
2. Make the dough
Mix flour, sugar, salt, cardamom, butter, milk, and egg in a stand mixer. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Let it rise
Cover and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
4. Make the filling
Mix softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar into a spreadable paste.
5. Roll & fill
Roll dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly, and roll into a tight log.
6. Slice & proof again
Cut into 12 even rolls, place on a tray, and let them rise a second time.
7. Bake
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 14–16 minutes until golden. Let cool on a wire rack.
8. Make the glaze
Melt chocolate, butter, honey, and milk in a double boiler until smooth and shiny.
9. Glaze generously
Spoon glaze over each roll while still slightly warm. Let set—and enjoy!
Pro Baking Tips for Snúður Success
✅ Use fresh cardamom—it makes a huge difference in flavor
✅ Don’t over-flour the dough; it should be soft, not stiff
✅ Roll tightly to keep the spirals neat
✅ Let the glaze cool slightly before applying for best texture
Serving Suggestions
Snúður is best enjoyed warm, with a strong cup of Icelandic coffee or black tea. For an authentic touch, pair it with cold butter or a dollop of vanilla skyr on the side.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Freeze unglazed rolls and reheat before glazing for fresh-baked flavor
- Refrigerate dough overnight after the first rise for morning baking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Icelandic cinnamon rolls different from American ones?
A: Icelandic Snúður is spiced with cardamom and topped with chocolate glaze instead of cream cheese. They’re chewier and less sweet but packed with bold flavor.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the dough the night before or freeze baked rolls and glaze later.
Q: Can I use instant yeast?
A: Absolutely. Skip the proofing step and mix directly into the dry ingredients.
Nutrition (Per Roll)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g (8g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
Final Thoughts
This Icelandic Snúður recipe brings the cozy charm of a Reykjavík bakery straight to your kitchen. With its spiced dough, cinnamon swirl, and glossy chocolate glaze, it’s the perfect treat for chilly mornings or sweet celebrations. If you love classic cinnamon rolls, this Nordic twist will become your new favorite.
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