Snack · Dessert · Scandinavian ·

Crunchy Swedish Saffron Knots with Cardamom Sugar Glaze

Name: Crunchy Swedish Saffron Knots with Cardamom Sugar Glaze
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Snack
Ingredients: Milk, warmed, 1 cup; Saffron threads, 1/4 teaspoon; Active dry yeast, 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet); Granulated sugar, 1/3 cup; All-purpose flour, 4 cups; Salt, 1/2 teaspoon; Ground cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon; Unsalted butter, melted, 1/4 cup; Powdered sugar, 1 cup; Ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon; Milk, 2 tablespoons; Egg, beaten, 1 egg; Milk, 1 tablespoon

Enjoy these fragrant and crisp Swedish saffron knots, accented with a sweet cardamom sugar glaze. Perfect for any gathering or as a delightful treat.

4.7(237 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 10, 2025

Crunchy Swedish Saffron Knots with Cardamom Sugar Glaze — Snack served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Cardamom Sugar Glaze

For Brushing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 271 kcal
Protein: 5.8 g
Carbs: 51.3 g
Fat: 5.3 g
Fiber: 1.33 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3251 kcal
Protein: 70 g
Carbs: 616 g
Fat: 64 g
Fiber: 16 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Milk, warmed 1 cup	150	8	12	8	0
Saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon	2	0	1	0	0
Active dry yeast 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet)	20	2	2	0	0
Granulated sugar 1/3 cup	270	0	70	0	0
All-purpose flour 4 cups	1820	52	400	5	14
Salt 1/2 teaspoon	0	0	0	0	0
Ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon	3	0	1	0	1
Unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup	400	0	0	45	0
Powdered sugar 1 cup	480	0	125	0	0
Ground cardamom 1 teaspoon	6	0	2	0	1
Milk 2 tablespoons	20	1	2	1	0
Egg, beaten 1 egg	70	6	1	5	0
Milk 1 tablespoon	10	1	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Saffron Milk

1
Warm the milk
Heat the milk until warm, not hot, and add saffron threads.
2
Steep the saffron
Let the saffron steep for 10 minutes to release its color and flavor.
3
Activate the yeast
Once infused, sprinkle the yeast over saffron milk; let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Preparing the Dough

1
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cardamom.
2
Add wet ingredients
Mix in saffron milk and melted butter, stirring to create a dough.
Tip: Ensure the milk is only warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
3
Knead the dough
Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Tip: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to simplify the kneading process.

How to Make Crunchy Swedish Saffron Knots with Cardamom Sugar Glaze

Total time: 4 h · Yields 4 servings

1
First Rise
Allow dough to rise in an oiled bowl, covered, for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2
Shape the knots
Roll out the dough into a rectangle, cut into strips, and form into knots.
3
Second Rise
Place knots on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.