Description
Celebrate the holidays with these traditional Swedish St. Lucia Saffron Buns. Soft, golden, and infused with saffron and cardamom, this festive bread recipe is perfect for breakfast or a cozy winter snack. Learn how to make authentic saffron buns with our step-by-step guide and baking tips.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
0.5 teaspoon saffron threads
2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
0.5 cup granulated sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
0.25 cup raisins
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Warm the milk slightly and stir in the saffron threads. Let steep for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine saffron milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Add flour, salt, cardamom, butter, and eggs to the mixture. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll into ropes and shape into S-forms. Place a raisin in each curl.
6. Transfer to baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush buns with egg wash.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and puffed.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
These buns are best enjoyed fresh on the same day.
To enhance saffron color, steep it longer in warm milk.
Use exact measurements for a soft, fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg