Saffron Buns (Lussekatter) Recipe
Description: Saffron Buns are an old tradition in Swedish cuisine, commonly enjoyed on December 13, Lucia Day, and throughout the festive season leading up to Christmas. These aromatic buns are infused with the delicate flavor and vibrant color of saffron, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Recipe Category: Breads
Keywords: Swedish, Scandinavian, European, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | dry yeast |
| 2 cups | milk |
| 3/4 – 1 1/2 | butter |
| 1/2 cup | margarine |
| 1 cup | sugar |
| 1 teaspoon | salt |
| 1 | egg |
| 4 – 5 cups | flour |
| 1 – 2 grams | saffron |
| As needed | raisins |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 482.2
- Fat Content: 20.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 80.7mg
- Sodium Content: 454.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 63.8g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 12.7g
- Protein Content: 10.1g
Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until frothy.
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Infuse Saffron: While the yeast is activating, crush the saffron threads in a mortar and pestle, then add them to the warm milk mixture. Stir well to infuse the milk with the saffron’s vibrant color and aroma.
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Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, margarine, sugar, salt, and egg. Mix until well combined.
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Knead the Dough: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
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Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
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Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Take a piece of dough and roll it into a long string, about the thickness of your finger and 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) long.
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Form Lussekatter: Roll up both ends of the dough in opposite directions to create a spiral shape, with the ends meeting in the middle. Press a raisin into the center of each spiral, forming the traditional “lussekatt” shape.
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Second Rise: Place the formed buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each bun. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
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Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 420-440ยฐF (200-225ยฐC), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before baking.
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Baste and Bake: Once the buns have risen, lightly brush them with whipped egg for a glossy finish. Then, bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the saffron buns from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful treats warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, and savor the festive flavors of the holiday season!
Tips:
- For best results, use high-quality saffron threads to infuse the buns with their distinct flavor and vibrant color.
- Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture in the finished buns.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the butter with additional margarine or vice versa.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or candied peel for extra texture and flavor.
- Store any leftover saffron buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
With their golden hue and aromatic fragrance, these Saffron Buns (Lussekatter) are sure to become a cherished addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this classic Swedish treat, and share the joy of the festive season with family and friends! ๐๐ฅ
