In recent years, new variations on the semla have appeared behind the glass display cases at cafés and bakeries. Semlas with strawberry-pink cream, a flaky Danish pastry top, and Nutella instead of almond paste are just a few of the new innovations. Semmelwraps, kremlas, and mufflas are a few more. But for you, perhaps the classic semla is the way to go. No matter what you prefer, there are plenty of places in Örebro where you can find your favorite.
Sonja Bakery: "We let the process take its time"
Sonja Bakeryat Lindbacka Bruk is a favorite among many when it comes to classic semlor. It’s a small-scale artisan bakery just outside Örebro with a consistent focus on sustainability. Of course, the semlor are also baked with organic and locally sourced ingredients. Quite simply, with care for both the environment and people.
Hi Markus! Tell us about your semlor.
"The flour in the wheat bun comes from two different mills in Örebro County: Kullens Kvarn and Sörgårdens Lisselbruk. The eggs come from Berga Farm. The bun is allowed to rise for a long time with a small amount of yeast to develop as much flavor as possible before being baked in a stone oven. The almond paste for the semla filling is made in Köping and mixed with ingredients such as house-roasted almonds and sunflower seeds."
What's the secret?
"We whip the cream slowly and gently, and assemble the semla as close to the time of sale as possible. I think that might be exactly what it is. That we allow the process to take its time and that we use ingredients from producers we care about and respect—combined with hands-on care from start to finish."
Hjulsjö 103: "Our semlor are made fresh to order"
The bakery, roastery, and café Hjulsjö 103 is located in the small Bergslagen village of Hjulsjö, just outside Hällefors. Here, the menu features local ingredients and authentic craftsmanship. Märta and Magnus bake bread, buns, and pizza using locally grown flour. Some heritage grains are also milled on their own farm. Now that semla season is in full swing, their semlas are, of course, made with great care, craftsmanship, and carefully selected ingredients.
Hi Märta! Tell us about your semlor. What are they made of?
"Valencia almonds and gray peas, sugar & sea salt. The gray peas are gently roasted to bring out a delicate, subtly nutty flavor, then soaked and cooked. They are then blended with roasted Valencia almonds to create a creamy, deliciously nutty filling. And voilà—an even more local semla, with even more locally grown ingredients, and even more flavor."
What is the most important thing for a really good semla?
"Careful attention to both ingredient selection and preparation—and the fact that they’re made to order! The whipped cream should be so light that you’re a little worried every time you add it, but not so light that it won’t hold up during transport in the box. No one is happy with whipped cream that’s too stiff!"
More coffee breaks in Örebro.
Cafés in Örebro – here’s the list
Here are some places to enjoy breakfast and brunch in Örebro
