Swedish Saffron Buns Recipe
Embrace the festive spirit of Scandinavian baking with these delightful Swedish Saffron Buns, a traditional treat known as “Lussekatter” that fills the air with warmth and sweetness. Characterized by their vibrant yellow hue and inviting shape, these buns are a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a warm drink.
Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Cuisine | Course | Diet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 10 | European | Snack | Vegetarian |
Ingredients
To create these sumptuous saffron buns, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 4 cups |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 ½ teaspoons |
| Milk | 1 cup (adjust as needed) |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Whole Eggs | 1, whisked |
| Saffron Strands | ½ teaspoon |
| Raisins (black variety) | 24 |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Caster Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Egg White | 1, for glazing |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
Start by warming ¾ cup of milk along with 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture until the butter melts completely. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of caster sugar and ½ teaspoon of saffron strands, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool until it is lukewarm.
2. Activate the Yeast:
Once the milk mixture has cooled, sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons of active dry yeast over it. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, letting the yeast activate and become frothy.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 pinch of salt, and the remaining ¼ cup of caster sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.
4. Knead the Dough:
Gradually pour the lukewarm milk mixture into the flour mixture, mixing until it comes together. Add the remaining milk as needed to form a soft dough. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.
5. First Rise:
Gather the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased container. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
6. Shape the Buns:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 11-12 equal portions. Line or grease two baking trays for the buns. Roll each portion into a 7-8 inch long rope. Shape each rope into an ‘S’ form and place them on the prepared baking trays, ensuring to leave enough space between each bun to allow for further rising. Press the ends to seal them, and place a raisin at the center of each curled end, pressing it lightly to secure.
7. Second Rise:
Cover the shaped buns loosely with a damp kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
8. Preheat and Glaze:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg white with a splash of water to create a glaze. Once the dough has risen, gently brush the tops of the buns with the egg wash to give them a lovely golden color when baked.
9. Bake the Buns:
Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they do not overbake.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. Serve the Swedish Saffron Buns warm, ideally paired with a soothing Apple Tea Latte or a delightful Maple Roasted Cinnamon Spiced Latte to create a cozy atmosphere on a chilly evening.
Final Notes
These Swedish Saffron Buns are not only a feast for the eyes with their beautiful golden color but also a treat for the taste buds, offering a delicate sweetness and aromatic saffron flavor. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these buns embody the spirit of warmth and comfort. Enjoy this delightful recipe as a centerpiece for your holiday celebrations or simply as a treat to savor with your loved ones. Happy baking!
