Saffron Buns Recipe

Learn how to make authentic homemade Swedish saffron buns (Lussekatter) with this foolproof recipe. The best traditional holiday treat featuring real saffron threads, these easy-to-shape sweet buns bring warmth and golden color to your winter table.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

16 buns

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">0.5g saffron threads (1 generous pinch)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons warm vodka or rum (or hot water)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast (1 packet)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">75g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large egg, plus 1 for egg wash</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">450-500g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g raisins (or currants)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pearl sugar for sprinkling (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer with dough hook</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mortar and pestle (for crushing saffron)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheets</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by crushing the saffron threads in a mortar and pestle until they become a fine powder. This releases the essential oils and maximizes the flavor and color. Mix the crushed saffron with the warm vodka or rum (alcohol helps extract the saffron's color and flavor better than water) and set aside to steep for at least 15 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter together until the butter melts and the mixture is just warm to the touch (about 37-40°C/98-105°F). If it gets too hot, let it cool slightly – excessive heat will kill the yeast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the warm milk mixture into the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the saffron liquid (which should now be a vibrant golden color), then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, which indicates the yeast is active and ready to work.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the sugar, 1 egg, salt, and cardamom to the yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add 450g of flour, about a cupful at a time, mixing until incorporated. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel slightly tacky. Add the remaining flour only if needed – a softer dough makes moister buns.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once the dough has formed, increase the speed to medium and knead for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. The gluten development during this kneading process is crucial for the proper texture of your buns, so don't rush this step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. The slow rise develops flavor and texture, so be patient.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces (a kitchen scale helps ensure uniformity). Roll each piece into a rope about 20-25cm long.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Form each rope into an "S" shape by curling both ends in opposite directions, creating the traditional Lucia bun shape. Press a raisin firmly into the center of each spiral (two raisins per bun). Place the shaped buns on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 5cm between each to allow for expansion.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Cover the shaped buns loosely with towels and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy but not quite doubled. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Beat the remaining egg with a splash of water and gently brush this egg wash over the buns, being careful not to deflate them. The egg wash gives them a beautiful shine and golden color when baked. Sprinkle with pearl sugar if using.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully as the high sugar content can cause them to brown quickly. The internal temperature should reach about 88°C (190°F) when fully baked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 12</h4>Transfer the buns to a wire rack to cool slightly. These saffron buns are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a cup of coffee in true Swedish fika style. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month. To refresh, warm slightly in a 150°C (300°F) oven for a few minutes.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Saffron Buns?

Saffron buns require saffron threads, warm vodka or rum (or water), whole milk, butter, yeast, sugar, eggs, salt, cardamom, all-purpose flour, raisins, and optional pearl sugar for sprinkling. The saffron gives them their distinctive golden colour and aroma.

How to cook Saffron Buns at home?

Learn how to cook Saffron Buns by first crushing saffron threads and steeping them in warm alcohol, then combining this with a mixture of warmed milk and butter. Mix with yeast, sugar, eggs and spices, then gradually add flour to form a dough. After rising, shape into characteristic S-curves, add raisins, proof again, and bake until golden at 200°C for 8-10 minutes.

Why are saffron buns shaped like an "S" or figure-eight?

The traditional S-shape of Lussekatter (Swedish saffron buns) represents Lucifer's (the devil's) curled-up cats. They're made for St. Lucia Day celebrations on December 13th. The shape is symbolic in Swedish tradition, with the two spirals and yellow colour representing light during the dark winter season.

Can I make Lussekatter without saffron or with a less expensive alternative?

While authentic Lussekatter require real saffron for their distinctive flavour and golden colour, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric for colour only (the taste will differ). Some bakers use saffron flavouring, but the real spice delivers superior results. Budget options include using half the saffron with turmeric.

What's the best way to serve traditional Swedish saffron buns?

Serve Lussekatter slightly warm as part of a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break) with a cup of coffee or mulled wine (glögg). They're traditionally enjoyed on St. Lucia Day (December 13th) but make delightful treats throughout winter. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with a hot beverage.

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