October 4 is Kanelbolledagen, or Cinnamon Roll Day.
These beloved pastries are known by many names, such as kanelbolle (cinnamon bun), kanelsnurr (pinwheel), kanelknute (knot) or skillingsbolle (shilling bun). The latter is how they are known in Bergen, named for their original price. Skillingsboller are traditionally a snail shape, with high butter content and granulated sugar on top, rather than glaze or frosting. Other parts of Norway prefer their kanelboller in a twist of knots.
The Hanseatic League is said to have brought cinnamon rolls to Norway via the port of Bergen. Although cinnamon was originally brought to Europe through the spice trade from Asian and Africa, the idea of combining wheat dough with cinnamon and sugar is said to have originated in continental Europe.
Cinnamon roll day is an unofficial holiday that was founded in Sweden in 1999, with the excitement eventually catching on in Norway. In Bergen, the skillingsbolle has its own day, celebrated June 7, when children can get enjoy free rolls from local bakeries.
Whether shaped like snails or ornate knots, and no matter what you call them, warm cinnamon rolls trigger fond memories for Scandinavians. God appetit!
Sons of Norway members can access an authentic recipe for cinnamon rolls in the November issue of Viking.