Pistachio Cinnamon Buns – Easy Sweet Breakfast Pastry Recipe

Freshly baked pistachio cinnamon buns swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with crushed pistachios and creamy glaze.
Sweet, nutty, and fluffy—pistachio cinnamon buns are the ultimate breakfast pastry idea.
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Pistachio Cinnamon Buns

Cinnamon buns are a timeless comfort food, beloved for their soft, fluffy dough and warm, spiced filling. This recipe elevates the classic by adding nutty pistachios, creating a gourmet twist that feels both familiar and exciting.

The appeal lies in the harmony of flavors: the sweetness of cinnamon sugar pairs beautifully with the earthy crunch of pistachios, while a creamy glaze ties everything together. The pistachios add not only flavor but also vibrant color, making these buns visually stunning as well as delicious.

Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special gatherings, pistachio cinnamon buns bring a touch of indulgence to the table. They’re a treat that feels festive yet approachable, offering comfort with a hint of sophistication.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because it fuses Middle Eastern pistachio richness with Scandinavian-style cinnamon buns. The result is a pastry that feels both traditional and innovative, combining familiar comfort with exotic flair.

The pistachios add crunch, color, and unique flavor, transforming the buns into something extraordinary. Their nutty sweetness complements the cinnamon filling, while the vibrant green flecks make the buns visually appealing.

Tip: Incorporating pistachio paste or spread intensifies the nutty profile, creating a luxurious filling that enhances the overall flavor.

This recipe is special because it celebrates global culinary traditions while offering a modern twist. It’s indulgent yet versatile, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet breakfast.

Cultural & Culinary Background

Cinnamon buns are deeply rooted in Nordic baking traditions, particularly in Sweden, where “kanelbullar” are a beloved staple. They symbolize warmth, comfort, and community, often enjoyed during fika (coffee breaks).

Pistachios, on the other hand, are central to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern desserts, appearing in baklava, halva, and ice creams. Their nutty richness and vibrant color make them a prized ingredient in festive sweets.

The fusion of cinnamon buns with pistachios reflects a modern culinary trend: blending global flavors to create innovative dishes. Inspired by baklava, which layers nuts, spices, and sweetness, pistachio cinnamon buns bring together the best of both worlds—Nordic comfort and Middle Eastern indulgence.

This mashup showcases how food evolves across cultures, creating new traditions while honoring old ones. Pistachio cinnamon buns are a perfect example of how fusion baking can feel both nostalgic and exciting.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

  • Dough: Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, providing the perfect base.
  • Cinnamon Sugar: Warm, aromatic filling that defines the classic bun.
  • Pistachios: Nutty, crunchy, and slightly sweet, adding depth and texture.
  • Glaze: Creamy finish, sometimes infused with pistachio paste for extra indulgence.

Together, these elements create a pastry that’s rich, balanced, and irresistible.

Pro Tip: Toast pistachios lightly before using to enhance their flavor and aroma.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Prepare Dough Mix yeast, warm milk, sugar, butter, and eggs. Add flour gradually to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled.

Step 2: Roll & Fill Roll dough into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar evenly across the surface.

Step 3: Add Pistachios Sprinkle chopped pistachios or spread pistachio paste over the filling.

Step 4: Shape Buns Roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into even pieces using dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze Cool slightly, then drizzle with pistachio-infused icing or classic glaze.

Tip: Use dental floss instead of a knife to avoid squashing the dough when slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overproofing Dough: Leads to flat buns. Watch rise times carefully.
  • Using Raw Pistachios: Results in muted flavor. Always toast lightly.
  • Overbaking: Creates dry texture. Remove when golden, not dark brown.
  • Skipping Glaze: Reduces indulgence. The glaze adds sweetness and shine.

Tip: Let buns cool slightly before glazing to prevent melting and sogginess.

Freshly baked pistachio cinnamon buns swirled with cinnamon sugar, topped with crushed pistachios and creamy glaze.

Pistachio Cinnamon Buns – Easy Sweet Breakfast Pastry Recipe

Pistachio cinnamon buns are a delicious twist on a classic! Soft, fluffy rolls filled with cinnamon sugar are topped with crunchy pistachios and a creamy glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Ideal for brunch, holiday mornings, or when you want to impress with a bakery-style pastry at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern Fusion, Scandinavian-inspired baking
Servings 12 buns
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • stand mixer (optional)
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking dish or sheet
  • Oven
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup butter, melted (for filling)
  • 1 cup pistachios, toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or pistachio paste (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Make Dough: Combine yeast, warm milk, and sugar. Let bloom. Add egg, butter, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled (1–2 hours).
  • Prepare Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  • Roll Dough: Roll into rectangle. Spread melted butter, sprinkle cinnamon sugar, then pistachios.
  • Shape Buns: Roll tightly into log. Slice into 12 pieces using dental floss for clean cuts. Arrange in greased dish.
  • Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
  • Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with milk or pistachio paste. Drizzle over warm buns.

Notes

  • Toast pistachios lightly to enhance flavor.
  •  Use dental floss for neat slices.
  •  Don’t overproof—watch dough carefully.
  •  Cool slightly before glazing to avoid melting.
  •  Try variations: honey drizzle, white chocolate glaze, or mini buns for parties.
 
Keyword fusion baking, gourmet brunch, holiday pastry, nutty cinnamon rolls, pistachio cinnamon buns