These Norwegian Cardamom Rolls, also known as Sjokoladeboller, are soft and fragrant yeast buns made with cardamom and filled with chocolate chips. A popular treat in Norway, these rolls combine the warmth of cardamom with the sweetness of chocolate, making them a perfect indulgence with a cup of coffee.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

• 450 g all-purpose flour

• 250 ml warm milk

• 75 g sugar

• 13 g fresh yeast (or dry yeast equivalent)

• ½ tsp finely ground cardamom

• 75 g softened butter, cubed

• 75 g chocolate chips

For Brushing:

• 3 tbsp milk (or egg wash for a shiny finish)

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

   • Warm the milk to lukewarm (about 20°C). Crumble the fresh yeast into the milk and stir to dissolve.

2. Make the Dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cardamom. Add the yeast mixture and mix using an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10 minutes until smooth.

   • Gradually add the softened butter, mixing until incorporated.

   • Stir in the chocolate chips using a spatula.

3. Let the Dough Rise:

   • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Rolls:

   • Divide the dough into 9 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening slightly at the bottom.

   • Let the dough rise for another 45 minutes.

5. Prepare for Baking:

   • Brush the rolls with milk (or egg wash for a glossy finish).

   • Preheat the oven to 225°C (440°F) and bake the rolls for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Serve:

   • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they are delicious at room temperature as well!

Nutritional Value (per roll):

• Calories: 659 kcal

• Calories from Fat: 162 kcal

• Total Fat: 18g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 120mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 102g

  • Sugars: 29g

• Protein: 15g

These rolls are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with the cardamom adding a unique flavor to the traditional yeast buns. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delicious snack throughout the day!

The History and Popularity of Sjokoladeboller

The tradition of baking sweet, cardamom-flavored buns can be traced back to the long history of Scandinavian baking. The cardamom used in these rolls is a key ingredient in many Scandinavian pastries and breads. In Norway, cardamom is often used in pastries and cakes, and the warm, spicy notes of the cardamom complement the sweetness of the chocolate chips in these rolls.

Sjokoladeboller are often enjoyed during fika, a cherished coffee break that is central to Scandinavian culture. Fika isn’t just about drinking coffee; it’s an important social tradition that involves taking time out of the day to relax, chat, and enjoy something sweet. These rolls are the perfect addition to a fika spread, and their comforting flavors make them a favorite among Norwegians and visitors alike. Whether at a family gathering, a cozy brunch, or a casual afternoon with friends, these rolls bring a sense of warmth and contentment.

The Signature Flavors of Cardamom and Chocolate

What truly sets these rolls apart is the flavor combination of cardamom and chocolate. Cardamom is a spice that has been prized for centuries in Scandinavian cooking. It has a warm, aromatic flavor with citrusy and spicy undertones that pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate. The result is a balanced treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the love for spices.

The chocolate chips add a rich, melty contrast to the soft, airy texture of the dough, creating a combination that’s both comforting and indulgent. The sweetness of the chocolate, combined with the spiced aroma of the cardamom, gives the rolls a unique flavor profile that makes them stand out from other pastries.

The Dough: A Soft and Fluffy Base

The dough for Norwegian Cardamom Rolls is light, soft, and slightly sweet, offering the perfect base for the cardamom and chocolate. The dough is made from a few simple ingredients: flour, milk, sugar, yeast, and butter. Once combined, the dough is kneaded for about 10 minutes to develop the gluten, which gives the rolls their soft, airy texture. The yeast helps the dough rise, creating a fluffy and light consistency.

One of the key steps in making the dough is allowing it to rise properly. The dough is left to rest for about 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This process not only helps the dough become light and airy but also ensures that the yeast activates fully, giving the rolls their characteristic soft texture. After the initial rise, the dough is divided, shaped, and given another 45 minutes to rise before baking.

Shaping the Rolls

The shaping of these rolls is an important step that adds to their charm. After the dough has risen, it is divided into equal portions and rolled into balls. Each ball is then placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, where it is flattened slightly at the bottom. This process ensures that the rolls bake evenly and maintain their round, fluffy shape.

The key to shaping these rolls is to handle the dough gently. You don’t want to deflate all the air bubbles that have formed during the rise. This is why it’s important to work with the dough slowly and carefully, ensuring the rolls maintain their soft texture while still having a slight rise in the oven.

The Role of Milk and Egg Wash

Before baking, the rolls are brushed with milk or an egg wash. The milk gives the rolls a soft, subtle sheen, while the egg wash adds a glossy, golden finish. While both options yield beautiful results, the egg wash tends to create a more pronounced shine, giving the rolls a bakery-style appearance. The milk, on the other hand, provides a softer finish, allowing the natural beauty of the rolls to shine through without being overly glossy.

No matter which option you choose, brushing the rolls before baking ensures they have a golden, appealing appearance when they come out of the oven. This final touch also helps to lock in moisture, keeping the rolls soft and delicious.

Baking the Rolls to Perfection

Once the rolls are shaped and brushed with milk or egg wash, they are baked in a preheated oven at 225°C (440°F) for about 12 minutes. The high temperature allows the rolls to bake quickly, giving them a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft, airy interior. The aroma of baking cardamom and chocolate fills the air as the rolls rise and turn golden in the oven, signaling that they’re ready to be enjoyed.

The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on the rolls as they bake. You want them to be golden and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. As soon as they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Enjoying the Rolls

Norwegian Cardamom Rolls are best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven, or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them an ideal choice for brunch, an afternoon snack, or any special occasion. Whether served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, these rolls are a delightful treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

For an extra indulgence, serve the rolls with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The rich, creamy texture of the whipped cream or ice cream complements the spiced flavor of the cardamom rolls, creating a decadent dessert experience.

Nutritional Information and Moderation

While these rolls are a delightful treat, it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Each roll contains about 659 calories, with a significant portion of those calories coming from fat and carbohydrates. The rolls also provide a good amount of protein, thanks to the flour and butter, making them a satisfying snack. However, with a high sugar content and rich ingredients like butter and chocolate, these rolls are best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily treat.

For those looking to make a slightly healthier version, there are a few adjustments you can make. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. You can also experiment with using less sugar or replacing some of the butter with healthier fats, like coconut oil. While these changes can alter the flavor and texture slightly, they can still result in a delicious and more nutrient-dense roll.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Norwegian Cardamom Rolls, or Sjokoladeboller, are a delightful and comforting treat that combines the warmth of cardamom with the sweetness of chocolate. Whether you’re enjoying them during a fika with friends or as a cozy breakfast with a hot cup of coffee, these rolls bring a taste of Norway to your kitchen. The soft, fragrant dough, paired with the rich chocolate chips, creates a pastry that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire, filling your home with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods. So, take the time to enjoy this Scandinavian tradition and savor the delicious flavors of these Norwegian Cardamom Rolls.