Saint Lucia Buns Lussekatter Saffron Buns
Celebrate the festive season with Saint Lucia Buns, also known as Lussekatter Saffron Buns—a traditional Swedish treat that combines the delicate aroma of saffron with a soft, pillowy texture. These golden-yellow buns are lightly sweetened and enriched with butter, creating a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Their iconic "S" shape, accented with raisins and a shiny egg wash glaze, makes them a stunning addition to any holiday table. Perfect for St. Lucia Day or any winter gathering, these homemade saffron buns pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or mulled wine. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant buns ready to share in just a few hours! Whether you’re embracing tradition or simply exploring new flavors, Saint Lucia Buns are a must-try seasonal delight.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 240 ml whole milk
- 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 7 grams active dry yeast
- 500 grams all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 75 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 24 pieces raisins (optional, for garnish)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling (about 37°C/98°F). Remove from heat and stir in the saffron threads. Let the saffron steep in the warm milk for 10 minutes to release its color and flavor.
Add 1 tablespoon of the sugar to the milk mixture and stir. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, confirming the yeast is active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add the saffron milk mixture, softened butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-6 minutes.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope (about 25-30 cm) and shape them into an 'S' curl. Place the shaped buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the buns with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30 minutes, until slightly puffed.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Press a raisin into the center of each curl in the 'S' shape, if desired. Brush the buns lightly with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top.
Cool the buns on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.7 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 47.7 g | 239% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 562 mg | 187% | |
| Sodium | 1239 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 521.0 g | 189% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.0 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 121.9 g | ||
| Protein | 78.1 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.2 mcg | 31% | |
| Calcium | 426 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 1132 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
